MILAN - So far, so good. Inter Primavera beat Roma 2-0 in the quarter-finals of the play-offs this afternoon to set up a semi-final tie with Torino next Saturday.
Despite lacking several key figures, it was nearly all one-way traffic for the Nerazzurri Under-19s against their Giallorossi counterparts. Daniele Bernazzani's team pushed their opponents back from the off and settled the affair with a quickfire one-two on the half-hour mark. Gabbianelli broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when his long-range effort was deflected past Svedkauskas. A minute later it was 2-0, Colombi finishing clinically after being put through on goal by Gabbianelli.
It was a solid performance by Inter against a side that seemed happy to sit back and who rarely threatened. 17-year-old Dane Knudsen impressed on his debut with a commanding display at the heart of midfield.
The last obstacle that remains between the Nerazzurri and a place in the Final Eight is Torino, who beat Genoa 3-2 in their quarter-final today. Inter, with home advantage once again by virtue of their better position in the regular season, will host Torino at the Centro Sportivo Giacinto Facchetti on Saturday 5 May.
Inter 2-0 Roma (HT: 2-0)
Scorers: Gabbianelli 30, Colombi 31.
Inter (4-2-3-1): 1 Di Gennaro; 2 Bandini, 4 Donkor, 5 Spendlhofer, 3 Paramatti; 6 Knudsen, 8 Olsen; 7 Belloni, 10 Gabbianelli (Cannataro 85), 11 Bocar (Eguelfi 90+4); 9 Colombi (Terrani 86).
Subs not used: 12 Dalle Vedove, 13 Zaro, 14 Yao, 17 Mira, 18 Nchama, 19 Pedrabissi.
Coach: Daniele Bernazzani
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Roma (4-2-3-1): 1 Svedkauskas; 2 Somma, 4 Carboni, 5 Boldor, 3 Yamnaine; 6 Ricci (Mazzitelli 75), 8 Cittadino; 7 Frediani (Ricci 87), 10 Catania (Bumba 43), 11 Ferri; 9 Ferrante.
Subs not used: 12 Zonfrilli, 13 Nanni, 14 Sammartino, 15 N'Dah, 17 Battaglia, 19 Minicucci.
Coach: Alberto De Rossi.
Referee: Daniele Bindoni.
Booked: Boldor 25, Bumba 55.
Sent off: Boldor 61.
Added time: 1 + 4 minutes.
