A goalless draw in Inter U23 vs. Lumezzane

Inter U23 drew in their midweek Serie C fixture at the U-Power Stadium in Monza against Lumezzane. The first half got off to a slow start as both sides were well organised and disciplined with their positioning. It was a hard-fought game as Inter looked to create chances but struggled to break down Lumezzane's defence. The second half kicked off with a decisive moment when Lumezzane were down to ten men following Deratti being sent off, giving Inter some momentum. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the visitors almost took the lead through Rocca, but Calligaris' spectacular save held them level. Lumezzane then dropped deep to defend the deadlock. The Nerazzurri heightened the pressure and came close through Lavelli, Prestia, and La Gumina, coming within inches of taking the lead on several occasions. Berenbruch had the final and most significant shot on target, but it was incredibly saved by Drago once again. Lumezzane kept their composure, and the game ended goalless, with the Nerazzurri securing a point.

In the first half, Inter's first major opportunity came in the seventh minute with Lavelli cutting inside and curling in a shot towards the far corner, but just missing the goal. The Nerazzurri dominated down the right flank with Cinquegrano, Kamate, and Cocchi, with the latter two making their debuts for the senior side. Towards the end of the first half, Lumezzane began to press harder, with Iori taking a shot from distance in the 34th minute, but his shot drifted wide.

The second half continued at a similar pace, but the match took a decisive turn early on, in the 50th minute. Already on a yellow card for an arm movement, Deratti brought down Lavelli as he surged towards the penalty area, and the referee showed the Lumezzane defender a red card. The Nerazzurri were awarded a free kick, which Cocchi came close with, but his effort was just wide. Vecchi sent on Berenbruch and Mosconi to make the most of Inter's attacking potential. There were several opportunities for Inter, including one from La Gumina, who fired a shot after being set up with a beautiful cross from Berenbruch. In the 89th minute, Berenbruch came close for the second time in the game, striking well from the edge of the box, but Drago was ready with an impressive save, pushing the ball out for a corner. The midweek Serie C fixture ended goalless, with the Nerazzurri settling for a point.

INTER U23 0-0 LUMEZZANE

INTER U23 (3-5-2): 91 Calligaris; 46 Cinquegrano, 19 Prestia, 15 Stante; 10 Kamate, 14 Bovo (44 Berenbruch 69'), 8 Fiordilino (37 Kaczmarski 84'), 9 Topalovic (30 Mosconi 75'), 3 Cocchi; 90 Lavelli (11 Agbonifo 84'), 20 La Gumina (34 Iddrissou 84'). Substitutes: 1 Melgrati, 12 Raimondi, 4 Zanchetta, 5 Alexiou, 16 Venturini, 25 David, 39 Bovio, 77 Amerighi. Head Coach: Stefano Vecchi.

LUMEZZANE (4-2-3-1): 50 Drago; 2 Deratti, 23 Moscati, 31 Stivanello, 70 Mancini; 8 Rocca (14 Riahi 90+1'), 4 Paghera; 11 Ghillani (15 Ndiaye 58'), 19 Rolando (6 Colangiuli 90+1'), 21 Iori (7 Ferro 64'); 20 Caccavo (32 Anatriello 64'). Substitutes: 1 Filigheddu, 12 Battagliola, 17 De Marino, 27 Napolitano, 41 Scanzi, 45 Monachello, 95 Motta, 99 Belvedere. Head Coach: Emanuele Troise.

Yellow Cards: Deratti (L), Lavelli (I), Stivanello (L), Rocca (L), Agbonifo (I)

Red Card: Deratti (L) in the 51st minute for a double yellow

Added Time: 5' - 5'

Referee: Leorsini (section. Terni) Assistants: Mititelu, Fumagallo Fourth Official: Gandino FVS Official: Manzini