MILAN – Inter youth academy director Roberto Samaden was quick to praise the Primavera after they beat Udinese 1-0 on Sunday to keep them on track for a first-place finish in the regular season.
"It was yet another demonstration of the great heart this side has," said Samaden after the game. "We’re struggling a bit physically but that’s understandable given the effort we’ve put into the Viareggio Cup and two-legged Coppa Italia final against Juventus.
"Once again, our coach has shown that he is a top manager. We were deserving winners and created five or six clear-cut chances. Udinese definitely should have had a man sent off too, but the referee didn’t give it."
With just two games of the regular season to play, Inter are top of the table with a two-point advantage over AC Milan in second. Atalanta are three points off the pace in third.
"It’s a bit of a complicated situation in the group. On Friday we have an important game against AC Milan, while Atalanta have the schedule on their side and are favourites to qualify directly for the Final Eight. We’ll go for it against the Rossoneri," declared Samaden.
"It’s normal to suffer a bit on a physical level and find it hard against teams that have been able to rest up more and prepare for the run-in calmly. That’s another reason why I’m so satisfied with the way the group continues to step up to the plate and show it can dig in like a proper team."
