U23, what a start! Maye and Mosconi seal victory over Catania

Inter U23 made the perfect start to the season with an impressive away victory over Catania. The Nerazzurri claimed a 2-1 win at the difficult Stadio Massimino, producing a solid display, with a bright end to the first half followed by a composed performance after the break. A quick-fire double late in the opening period proved decisive: Maye broke the deadlock in the 39th minute with a powerful run to meet a corner, before Mosconi coolly converted a penalty in stoppage time. In the second half, Vecchi's side managed Catania's response well despite Russo pulling one back in the 65th minute, and went close to adding a third on several occasions late on. A memorable opening game against strong opposition and an impressive performance that earned the Nerazzurri their first three points of the season.

THE MATCH Inter started cautiously, with Catania taking the initiative in the opening stages and threatening Melgrati's goal. The first scare came from a corner (7'), when Kaczmarski made a crucial goal-line clearance, before Liguori twice tried his luck. It was a lively start from the hosts, but the game soon lost its early intensity and became more cagey. Inter needed a spark, and Mosconi and Lavelli provided it. A combination between the pair (33') produced the Nerazzurri's first attempt, and the rest of the team responded as the chances began to flow. A close-range effort from Lavelli was deflected behind before Fiordilino tried his luck on the volley, with Inter's opener following soon after (39'). Marello delivered a perfect corner and Maye timed his run superbly to get the decisive touch. Vecchi's side rode the momentum and continued to attack, creating the chance to double their advantage just a few minutes later. A quick move ended with Marello having a shot, and Lavelli pounced on the rebound after Rinaldi's save before being caught by Jiménez. The referee initially waved play on, but the Nerazzurri bench used their card to request an FVS review. After a lengthy check, a penalty was awarded and Mosconi coolly converted with his left foot. Inter deservedly went into the break 2-0 up, although there was a sour note late in the half as Prestia suffered an injury and was forced off, with Jakirovic taking his place.

Catania responded to the setback by making three changes at the break, with Bruzzaniti and Raimo introduced on the flanks and Russo leading the line. It was Russo who created the first danger of the second half, forcing Melgrati to dive to his right to make the save. Inter dropped deeper and looked to break on the counter, making use of Kaczmarski's bursts forward. In the 62nd minute, Mancuso raced away on the break but fired over. Longo's side continued to push and pulled one back three minutes later through Russo, who headed home Cicerelli's free-kick. The Massimino came alive, but Inter remained calm and composed, dealing with Catania's attacks in an organised manner. Melgrati remained alert when called upon, while the Nerazzurri came within a whisker of a third on another counter led by Kaczmarski, but Lavelli was unable to finish it off. Vecchi's side gave Catania no further openings and Agbonifo went close to putting the game to bed late on. There was still time for two more cards to be used in stoppage time, one by each side, but neither review changed the decisions on the pitch. It finished 2-1 to Inter, who started their season on the right foot.

CATANIA 1-2 INTER U23

Goals: 39' Maye (I), 45'+2' rig. Mosconi (I), 65' Russo (C)

Catania (4-3-3): 1 Rinaldi; 2 Pagliai, 68 Ierardi, 5 Perrotta (14 Di Tacchio 80'), 20 Donnarumma (19 Raimo 46'); 30 Corbari (7 Bruzzaniti 46'), 16 Quaini, 8 Jiménez; 21 Liguori (23 Lunetta 64'), 77 Leonardi (99 Russo 46'), 10 Cicerelli. Substitutes: 57 Dini, 66 De Falco, 6 Allegretto, 32 Masciangelo, 70 Catania, 76 Amendola. Coach: Emilio Longo Inter U23 (3-4-2-1): 1 Melgrati; 15 Stante, 19 Prestia (86 Jakirovic 45'+7'), 6 Maye; 24 Re Cecconi (80 Garonetti 70'), 7 Kaczmarski, 8 Fiordilino, 3 Marello; 30 Mosconi (11 Zuberek 70'), 29 Mancuso (14 Bovo 70'); 45 Lavelli (10 Agbonifo 87'). Substitutes: 22 Taho, 95 Raimondi, 4 Cerpelletti, 16 Venturini, 20 Matarrese. Coach: Stefano Vecchi

Booked: 49' Maye (I), 86' Di Tacchio (C), 89' Stante (I)

Stoppage time: 6', 5'

Referee: Spina Assistants: Mastrosimone - Mambelli Fourth official: Gianquinto VFS operator: Mallimaci