MILAN - At the Suning Youth Development Centre in Memory of Giacinto Facchetti, Gianmario Corti’s Berretti side was beaten 3-2 by Torino in the return leg of the semi-final for the Scudetto. After going down 4-0 in the first leg, the Nerazzurri needed to pull off a great feat in order to qualify for the final to determine the overall winner. In today's match, the Nerazzurri started well with a brace from Merola but the Granata came back to win with goals from Citterio, Ollio and Serbouti.
The first half got off to a lighting start with Corti’s side taking the lead in the third minute through Merola. The number nine scored his second in the 16th minute with a chip over the Torino goalkeeper after some great work on the break. Inter continued to push down on the accelerator and D’Amico and Demirovic both had chances to make it 3-0. As the half went on, Torino gained confidence and started to play higher up the pitch. Munari crossed for Citterio who almost found the net with a header. The turning point was in the 31st minute. D’Amico made a mistake that proved costly when Citterio found the net to make it 2-1. After being in complete control, the Nerazzurri’s confidence took a hit and Torino took advantage. First, Ollio went close with a bicycle kick before then making it 2-2 with a right-foot finish from Oyewale’s assist.
In the second half, D’Amico put the ball in the net two minutes in but it was disallowed for offside. Demirovic and then D’Amico again had chances to make it 3-2 but Gemello did well in goal to deny them. Ten minutes from the end, the visitors were awarded with a soft penalty and Serbouti converted from the spot to make it 2-3.
A sense of regret lingered for Corti’s side who were able to dominate early and score two goals in the first 16 minutes before letting Torino back into the match. The Nerazzurri go out at the semi-final stage and Torino will progress to play for the Scudetto after losing to Inter a year prior.
