Vecchi: "Reaction in the second half"

SERVEZZA – Stefano Vecchi's Primavera picked up their second win in as many games at the 69th Viareggio Cup with a 12-1 thumping of Italian-American side L.I.A.C New York.

The win, with the accompanying boost to Inter's goal-difference tally, has made qualification to the last-16 all but a certainty.

In his post-match analysis, the Nerazzurri coach began by addressing his players' under-par performance in the first half, which ended 1-1.

"We played below standard, presuming it would be easy," Vecchi said. "We should have done better, because a squad of lads like ours should always give their maximum. There was a reaction in the second half, added to their collapse, and the gulf ended up being huge.

"We needed to score a lot of goals because SPAL had won 7-0 against them, so with our goal difference now, we could even get two results out of three on Saturday and we'd be in a good position to qualify.

"SPAL are doing well in the league too. We know some of their players because they used to be with us. With so many top players at our disposal, we had to make decisions. It's only fair that quality players like Vago, Picozzi, Granziera and Maranzino get a chance elsewhere."

He wrapped up the interview with a few words on Tommaso Putzolu and the squad's fitness.

"I fear the tournament is over for Tommaso. Unfortunately he's got a muscular problem and will go back to Milan for tests. As for the rest of the squad, they're doing pretty well. I've rotated the players for these two matches.

"However, I expected a lot more from some individuals. I made a few changes because I was disappointed. This is a competitive squad and, as coach, you want to see answers. There were none in the first half."