ST HELENS - Inter slipped to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool in their final NextGen group game but still qualified for the last 16 as group winners.
The Reds pulled out all the stops as they needed to win the match to go through as one of the best third-placed teams, yet the final scoreline is by no means a fair reflection of the game. The English side went in 2-0 up at the break thanks to goals by Coady (on 29 minutes, from the penalty spot) and Yesil (35). Daniele Bernazzani's side hit back in the second period with Benassi's well-taken volley through a crowd (63), but the hosts immediately restored their two-goal cushion when Yesil added his second of the night (65). Coady completed his own brace in the 77th minute when Liverpool were awarded another (dubious) penalty.
The Nerazzurri Under-19s now turn their attentions to Saturday's big Campionato Primavera match against leaders Atalanta.
Liverpool 4-1 Inter (HT: 2-0)
Scorers: Coady 29 (pen), Yesil 35, Benassi 63, Yesil 65, Coady 77 (pen).
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): 1 Fulton; 2 McLaughlin, 4 Jones, 5 Jokolik, 3 Smith; 6 Coady, 8 Pelosi; 7 Sinclair (Trickett-Smith 54), 10 Adorjan (Rossiter 89), 11 Ibe; 9 Yesil.
Unused subs: 12 Baio, 13 Belford, 15 Gainford, 16 Lussey, 17 Peterson.
Coach: Alex Inglethorpe.
Inter (4-2-3-1): 1 Smug; 2 Paramatti, 4 Zaro, 5
Pasa, 3 Ferrara; 8 Benassi, 10 Olsen (Del Piero 66); 7 Belloni (Garritano 56), 11 Bocar (Colombi 89), 6 Bangoura; 9 Pedrabissi (Forte 56).
Unused subs: 12 Dalle Vedove, 14 Gabbianelli, 15 Terrani.
Coach: Daniele Bernazzani.
Booked: Olsen 43, Bocar 54, Bangoura 66.
Added time: 1 + 3 minutes.
