MILAN – Stefano Vecchi hopes Inter can build on last weekend's cup victory over Roma by claiming top spot off current leaders Chievo Verona when they return to league action next Saturday.
Speaking after his U19 side beat their Giallorossi counterparts 2-0 away in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals last Saturday, the Primavera boss had nothing but high praise for his young charges.
"It was an excellent performance in terms of our focus, defensive organisation, determination and battling spirit," he told Inter Channel. "I think it was one of the best games we've played in the last year and a half. We played superbly against a very good team and took our chances well."
The Nerazzurri now face a two-legged semi-final against Lazio, with the first leg to be played in Rome on 27 January and the return in Milan two weeks later.
"They knocked us out of the Final Eight last season so it will be an opportunity to set the record straight," Vecchi admitted. "But before then we have to concentrate on the league because we have some tough games coming up. It will be a difficult run of fixtures but we head into it in good shape.
"We've improved and grown in confidence. Some of the lads who weren't at their best at the start of the year have come along loads during the course of the season."
Saturday's return to league football offers the Nerazzurri a chance to move to the top of Group B as a second v first showdown awaits them. Current leaders Chievo Verona, currently one point ahead of Inter in the standings, are the next opponents.
"A bit like us, they've spent the season playing catch-up on Cagliari and now they're top of the league. Hopefully we can beat them as we're at home. I'm curious to see how we fare against them," Vecchi concluded.
