Primavera TIM Cup: quotes from Madonna, Esposito and Merola

MILAN – Inter beat Palermo 6-2 in today’s Round of 16 Primavera TIM Cup clash thanks to Merola’s hat-trick, Esposito’s double and Pompetti’s strike. Following the match, Espositio, Merola and coach Armando Madonna spoke to Inter TV:

Armando Madonna: "It was a match that will help us to learn: we have to always play to the maximum level without losing our concentration. We seemed to have it in the bag after the first half, but instead we let Palermo back into it. Then we scored two more goals in the final stages to secure the win. We were very clinical and solid today, especially in the first half. Now we have a very important match against Torino ahead of us – it's the last one before the break. We need to continue along the path we’ve taken, always looking to produce good performances and pick up good results. Esposito and Pirola are two players who were born in 2002 and who often train with us, we know how good they are. They have managed to get in the team and they will continue to do so in the future."

Sebastiano Esposito: "I could not have had a better debut and I thank the coach for this opportunity. I will do all that I can for the team. I hope I can win something wearing this wonderful shirt. I would like to dedicate my two goals to my family."

Davide Merola: "This was an important game for us. The coach gave me this opportunity and I really tried to make the most of it. We're aware that we're a great team and we want to go far in every single competition. Our attitude is very important – it will also be vital in our next match against Torino."