SAN GIULIANO TERME (PI) – A bitter penalty defeat, just as it happened a year ago against Parma, and once again in the round of 16. By now it seems like a curse. After having dominated the match (which ended at 0-0), Bernazzani’s lads were eliminated on spot kicks at the end of a game in which Spezia’s goal could not be breeched. Inter’s good play and many chances counted for nothing as the ball simply refused to go in. The Ligurians showed themselves to be a well-organised side with a top-notch defence, impeccably led by Faye; the Senegalese defender was a rock at the back.
The Nerazzurri played better, especially in the second half, and kept their opponents' attacks to a minimum. But penalty shoot-outs can provide a cruel end, as they often reward the least deserving team over 90 minutes. The hero on the day was the Spezia keeper who kept his team in the match and then saved two out of three penalties; errors from Alborno, Gabbianelli and Olsen were decisive. Now thoughts turn to the other objectives of the season, such as the league and the NextGen Series.
PENALTIES:
Izzillo: goal
Alborno: saved
Cucurnia: goal
Gabbianelli: out
Brondi: goal
Olsen: saved
Inter 0-0 Spezia (0-3 after penalties)
Inter (4-2-3-1): 1 Dalle Vedove; 2 Bandini, 6 Zaro, 8 Pasa, 11 Alborno; 5 Mbaye, 10 Olsen; 16 Belloni (Gabbianelli 88), 22 Terrani (Bocar 62), 19 Garritano, 23 Colombi (Forte 58).
Unused subs: 12 Smug, 4 Donkor, 7 Paramatti, 3 Ferrara, 15 Tassi, 14 Cannataro, 20 Pedrabissi, 21 Ivusic.
Coach: Daniele Bernazzani.
Spezia (4-2-3-1): 12 Marani, 11 Bellavigna, 5 Marchitelli, 6 Faye, 3 Ceccaroni; 8 Brondi, Franco; 7 Ciurria (Tabiolati 80), 10 Izzillo, 24 Passamonti (Dilberovic 55); 19 Galiera (Cucurnia 55).
Unused subs: 1 Tognoni, 4 Ortelli, 13 Bonelli, 14 Cretella, 16 Mameli, 17 Celentano, 18 Bastoni.
Coach: Ceccotti.
Booked: Izzillo 11, Mbaye 86, Zaro 89.
Added time: 1 + 4 minutes.
