SARZANA - In their second group game at the 64th edition of the Viareggio Tournament, the Nerazzurri produced a battling display to snatch a victory that looked unlikely midway through the second half.
The Tuscan outfit took the lead in the 47th minute when Manganelli turned in Candiano's free kick at the far post with Inter in a state of disarray. Nerazzurri keeper Di Gennaro then kept his team in the match on several occasions before a lovely strike from the edge of the box by Longo (a second-half substitute for Vojtus) put Inter on level terms after 68 minutes. The comeback was completed with 10 minutes of normal time remaining when Romanò dribbled his way into the box and was steam-rollered by Benedini, who left the pitch after being shown his second yellow of the game: Bessa's conversion from the spot was impeccable. With Siena now down to 10 men Inter held firm and the remainder of the match petered out with little action of note.
Anderlecht and Reggina shared the spoils (1-1) in the other match in Inter's group, so Andrea Stramaccioni's boys are now top: after two games the table reads Inter 4, Reggina and Anderlecht 2, Siena 1. The Nerazzurri will look to seal qualification to the knockout stages on Friday when they take on Reggina.
Inter 2-1 Siena (HT: 0-0)
Scorers: Manganelli 47, Longo 68, Bessa 80.
Inter (4-3-1-2): 1 Di Gennaro; 6 Pecorini, 14 Kysela, 3
Mbaye, 11 Alborno; 8 Romanò, 5 Duncan (7 Terrani 55), 4 Crisetig; 10
Bessa (18 Spendlhofer 90); 19 Livaja, 22 Vojtus (9 Longo 51).
Unused subs: 12 Sala, 13 Pasa, 17 Forte, 20 Candido, 24 Benassi.
Coach: Stramaccioni.
Siena (4-3-1-2): 1 Marcone; 13 Manganelli, 5 Benedini, 6
Mucci, 3 Pastore; 7 Gonzi, 4 Cannoni, 8 Varone (15 Brenci 78); 10
Vettraino; 9 Candiano (18 Giordani 90), 11 Rosseti.
Unused subs: 12 Marini, 24 Mazzuoli, 14 Manes, 16 Camilli, 17 Patermann, 19 Canotto, 23 Ravasi.
Coach: Mignani.
Referee: Rossi (Rovigo).
Booked: Cannoni 37, Benedini 44 and 79, Mbaye 65.
Sent off: Benedini 79.
