Inter Milan Primavera beaten by Manchester City in UEFA Youth League

Despite an early goal from Xian Emmers, the Inter Milan Primavera were beaten by Manchester City in a penalty shootout in England.

A heartbreaking miss at the end of the penalty shootout proved to be the difference in the 4-3 loss in Manchester.

“We played a great game with a defensive mindset to counteract their quality,” said Inter manager Stefano Vecchi to Inter TV following the game. “We gave up little against a very strong team and there’s a sense of regret at how it finished. This is a great group, it’s focused and makes sacrifices as we showed on the pitch.”

Emmers pressed on offense and took a ball off the foot of goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw and into the back of the net in the 12^th minute of play.

Andrea Pinamonti nearly doubled the lead just a few minutes later, but his shot went wide of goal.

In the 26^th minute, City midfielder Felix Nmecha was taken down in the penalty area by Davide Bettella and was awarded a penalty. Nmecha stepped up to the spot and sent Vladan Dekic the wrong way allowing Manchester City the equalizer.

Six minutes later, Manchester midfielder Phil Foden nearly put his team on top, but Dekic was able to fall on the attempt.

Bettella had a chance to atone for his earlier penalty after Emmers drilled a free kick deep into City’s area, but Bettella’s delivery went wide of the net.

In the second half, Jens Odgaard was booked for simulation after being taken down in the Manchester City box. He was replaced by Matteo Rover midway through the half.

Facundo Colidio came on late and led a few counterattack charged by Inter, but nothing came to fruition before time expired. Neither team was able to convert in sudden death.

In the penalty shootout, Colidio and Emmers converted to keep the shootout tied. After Manuel Lombardoni’s attempt bounced off the crossbar, Nabil Touaizi connected with a shot past Dekic.

Needing to score to tie, Bettella’s shot was pushed aside, giving Manchester City the win.

”This cup run is part of our development as a club and a Youth Sector,” Vecchi said. “It’s a shame about the penalties because we had two chances to win it and we’re usually much better from the spot.”

Inter Milan will now turn its focus squarely on the Campionato Nazionale Primavera, where they currently sit in second behind Atalanta. The Nerazzurri will take on Fiorentina on Saturday, Feb. 24.

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