Inter Milan’s reserve team suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat on the road against Giana Erminio in Serie C Group A, extending their winless streak to two matches as they continue to adapt to the challenges of Italy’s third division.
The match, played at Stadio Comunale in Gorgonzola on Saturday afternoon, saw the home side capture an early lead through a well-worked team goal in the 18th minute. Giana Erminio’s midfielder Alessandro Marotta intercepted a loose pass in Inter’s half before threading a through-ball to striker Riccardo Moreo, who calmly slotted past Inter U23 goalkeeper Alessandro Plizzari to make it 1-0.
Inter U23 responded with increased pressure and nearly equalized just before halftime when youth academy product Francesco Pio Esposito forced a smart save from Giana goalkeeper Giacomo Bolognini with a low drive from the edge of the box. The rebound fell to Tommaso Mancini, but his shot was blocked by a last-ditch tackle.
The Nerazzurri youngsters finally found the equalizer in the 62nd minute through a moment of individual brilliance. After winning possession in midfield, 19-year-old attacking midfielder Fabio Miretti drove forward before cutting inside from the left and curling a precise right-footed shot into the top corner, leaving Bolognini with no chance.
However, the lead lasted barely five minutes. Giana Erminio regained the advantage in the 67th minute when a corner kick from the left was flicked on at the near post by defender Tommaso Silvestri, allowing substitute striker Luca Giannone to arrive unmarked at the back post and head home his fifth goal of the season.
Inter U23 pushed hard for an equalizer in the final 20 minutes, with Esposito coming closest when his header from a Mancini cross rattled the crossbar in the 78th minute. Giana nearly sealed the win in stoppage time when a counter-attack saw Moreo break through one-on-one, but his effort was saved brilliantly by Plizzari, who parried the ball onto his post.
The result leaves Inter U23 with just four points from their first five Serie C Group A matches, sitting in 16th place – just above the relegation zone. Their away form remains particularly concerning, having lost both road games this season although scoring only once.
Giana Erminio, meanwhile, climb to 10th place with seven points, having won three of their last four home matches. The victory represents a significant boost for a club that finished last season in 14th place and is aiming to consolidate its position in the third tier.
Inter U23 head coach Andrea Zazzaroni acknowledged the defensive lapses after the match, stating: “We created chances and showed good spirit, but we cannot afford to switch off at set-pieces. Against organized teams like Giana, those mistakes get punished.”
The young Nerazzurri side will seem to rebound when they host Pro Patria at the Suning Training Centre in Inter’s next Serie C fixture on Saturday, October 28th. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM CET (2:00 PM UTC).
For continued coverage of Inter’s youth teams and Serie C developments, stay tuned to Archysport.com.
