MILAN – The best Under-12 sides in European football were there. And Inter won. The result of Arousa Fútbol was never in question: the Esordienti 2002, coached by Marco Sala, won one of the most prestigious youth-team tournaments in world football. The biggest teams in football were there: the likes of Benfica, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Malaga, Valencia and Barcelona. But it was impossible for any of them to stand up to the Nerazzurri onslaught.
"I’d just like to thank the youth academy director for having given us the chance to take part in the tournament. And I'd like to congratulate everyone: from the people in charge of the youth team, to the selectors and the coaches. This is a really important result for us," said Giuliano Rusca, head of grassroots football at Inter.
In the group stage Inter took on Malaga (and beat them 2-0), Arousa (6-1), Girona (7-1) and Atletico Madrid (2-0), finishing the first round of games unbeaten. Inter beat Valencia in the semi-final (7-6 on penalties) before winning the final against Celta Vigo 5-1.
