Inter Under-23 have begun their campaign with the uneven rhythm expected of a side built around young players: capable of a startling result one week and a setback the next, but increasingly revealing individuals who may matter to the club beyond Serie C.
An erratic opening, then two strong responses
Stefano Vecchi’s team opened with an unexpected victory away to Catania, only to leave disappointed after drawing at home against Altamura. Two further surprise defeats followed, before Inter recovered their direction with convincing wins over Crotone and Foggia, opponents carrying considerable weight at this level.
The sequence has reflected both the promise and the inexperience within the group. The players have adhered closely to Vecchi’s instructions, but the early results have also shown how rapidly a young side can move between confidence and uncertainty.
- Victory at Catania on the opening day;
- A home draw against Altamura;
- Two unexpected defeats;
- Convincing victories over Crotone and Foggia.
Bovio and Jakirovic bring different foundations
Among those making an impression is Bovio, the 2008-born central defender who was watched closely by Cristian Chivu during Inter’s summer training camp in Germany. Chivu selected him for the trip, and Bovio has since appeared on the senior bench as well as becoming an important figure for the Under-23 side.
He has started four of the first six matches. His two absences were not tactical decisions: he did not travel for the season opener in Catania because he had been called up by the first team, while suspension ruled him out against Casertana. His age and defensive role leave significant room for development.
Jakirovic represents a different kind of investment. Signed from Dinamo Zagreb last winter, he cost Inter €2.5 million, with a further €2 million in possible bonuses and a 10 per cent sell-on clause due to the Croatian club. He can operate on either side of central defence and can also fill in at full-back.
Marello’s rise and a forward line with options
Marello, a left-sided wing-back, has already attracted comparisons with Federico Dimarco because of his role, acceleration, running power, technical quality and left foot. Inter completed his permanent signing from Udinese last summer for €1 million, plus €3 million in bonuses and a 10 per cent share of any future sale.
Chivu included Marello in the summer camp at Donaueschingen, where the defender made a notable impression. The club now have another young player on the left who has already been tested in the senior environment.
One of Inter’s 2007-born forwards has also continued a rapid progression through the youth pathway. He has moved through the club’s academy teams, from the youth ranks through Under-17, Under-18, Under-19, Under-20 and now Under-23 football. Chivu gave him first-team league appearances last season, against Lazio and then Verona at San Siro.
- Three goals in his first four matches this season;
- Experience across every major age group in Inter’s academy structure;
- Senior debuts against Lazio and Verona last season;
- Ability to play as a centre-forward, second striker, attacking midfielder or wide forward.
Iddrissou remains closely followed by Chivu
Iddrissou has had a more difficult start to the season after injuries slowed his return to the side, but Inter still regard the 2007-born attacker as one of their most interesting young prospects.
Last season he split his time between the Under-23 side and Primavera, scoring 12 goals in total. Chivu has kept a close eye on his progress, taking him on the first-team tour that passed through Germany, Hong Kong and Australia.
For Inter, the Under-23 campaign is therefore serving a wider purpose than the weekly result. The wins over Crotone and Foggia offered reassurance after the earlier volatility, while Bovio, Jakirovic, Marello, Iddrissou and the club’s emerging forwards continue to turn each Sunday into part of a longer examination.
