[Marcelo]

Mario-inspired Inter in final four Thursday 7 February, 2008




Inter’s youth side have edged into the semi-finals of the Viareggio tournament and they have their usual hero to thank.

Prodigious striking starlet Mario Balotelli netted his third goal in 24 hours from a 25-yard free-kick to set Inter on the road to a 2-0 extra-time win over a plucky Cesena side.

On the day that newspapers predict a monster contract offer for the 17-year-old, Balotelli finally ended stubborn resistance from the Seahorses and was a menacing figure until he left the field with cramp four minutes from time.

The Nerazzurri will now take on Atalanta’s youngsters in the semi-finals after the Orobici destroyed Lazio 4-0.

Empoli saw off Tuscan rivals Fiorentina 2-1 with an 85th minute goal and Ascoli also make the last four after beating fellow Serie B side Vicenza on penalties.

Semi-final draw:
Empoli - Vicenza
Inter - Atalanta

Ties to be played on Saturday February 9.

channel4.com - Football Italia