U19s claim big point at Inter

Sampdoria Primavera picked up a precious point in the battle to beat the drop as they held second-placed Inter to a goalless draw in their rearranged league fixture on Saturday.

The Nerazzurri had the better of the opening period but Doria came into it more as the game wore on and matched the hosts.

Ejjaki and Prelec both went close to breaking the deadlock for the Blucerchiati in the second half while Merola hit the crossbar for Inter.

The result sees Simone Pavan’s side extend their unbeaten run to three matches and draw level with Sassuolo on 26 points in the last playout spot (fourth from bottom), while Empoli and Genoa remain within touching distance just a point and two points above.

Sampdoria face another tough test next Friday against third-placed Fiorentina – freshly crowned Coppa Italia winners – but Pavan’s boys are in good shape and will be confident of getting another result.

Internazionale 0-0 Sampdoria

Internazionale (4-3-3): Dekic; Zappa, Ntube, Rizzo, Corrado (Grassini 86); Burgio (Attys 61), Roric, Schirò; Merola (Mulattieri 78), Vergani (Colidio 61), Esposito.
Subs not used: Pozzer, Milani, Perola, Nolan, Serpe, Gianelli.
Coach: Madonna.

Sampdoria (4-2-3-1): Krapikas; Doda, Veips, Sorensen, Campeol; Peeters (Trimboli 89), Ejjaki (Soomets 65); Yayi Mpie, Bahlouli (Maggioni 90), Scarlino (Canovi 90+2); Prelec (Cabral 90+2).
Subs not used: Boschini, Giordano, Nobrega, Perrone, Casanova, Benedetti, Maglie.
Coach: Pavan.

Referee: Acanfora (Castellammare di Stabia).
Assistants: D’Apice (Castellammare di Stabia) and Cubicciotti (Nichelino).

Booked: Zappa 38, Sorensen 49.
Added time: 1+5 minutes.
Attendance: approx. 250.
Pitch: good condition.