RISCONE DI BRUNICO – Inter Primavera boss Stefano Vecchi believes the fact that players from the Nerazzurri youth academy are making the step up to the first team is recognition for the work his team have been doing over the last few years.
"The best thing is hearing a coach like Roberto Mancini say that the players are ready to step up," said Vecchi, speaking from Brunico on Tuesday. "There’s a massive difference in quality in the first team so hearing him say that is real recognition for our work.
"We want to continue to be successful. Aside from the results, we’re trying to prepare the youngsters for the professional game. Over the last few years we’ve been able to achieve both our objectives."
The Primavera had a successful season last year, winning the Coppa Italia and reaching the semi-finals of both the Viareggio Cup and the league.
"We won the Coppa Italia and got knocked out of the Viareggio Cup because of ten crazy minutes. We lost to Roma on penalties in the league finals and they went on to win the title. Sadly, it was one penalty that cost us in the end.
"Having said that, despite the defeat, it was further proof that we have a strong group. We won a trophy and proved that we’re on a level with the other big teams. We showed commitment and dedication and proved some of the hasty judgements made at the start of the season wrong."
Vecchi also spoke about his decision to stay on as Primavera boss for at least another season.
"I made the decision after speaking to the people close to me – the people I’ve shared the last few seasons with. All it took was a quick discussion with the club and the chance to carry on came from there. There were other offers, but I chose to stay."
The Primavera boss spoke glowingly about Andrea Pinamonti and Eloge Yao, both of whom are currently training with the first team in Brunico.
"Pinamonti showed what he can do last season by scoring goals and performing well with the Primavera. I really believe in the boy. He might potentially be the best I’ve coached in the youth academy and I’ve seen he’s doing well with the first team during the training camp too.
"I hope I have him with me but I think he can do well in the first team as well as playing a few matches with us. It’s all down to Mancini – I know he likes Pinamonti.
"I know Mancini rates Yao too and he was speaking about him just this morning. He’s really developed quickly and become a lot more mature after a year in Serie B. He’s always been a centre-back, but perhaps on a technical and physical level he might be better suited to flanks."
