Novara vs Inter U23

Lorenzini's 70th-minute equaliser shifted the momentum decisively. Up to that point, Inter had managed the game professionally despite wholesale changes. The goal forced Vecchi's side to push forward, and Graziani punished them with a long-range strike that Raimondi will feel he should have dealt with better. The two goals in 12 minutes exposed the defensive disruption that mass substitutions inevitably bring.

Igor Patrizio Amerighi (Inter U23) — Scored a stunning solo goal inside the first minute, cutting in from the left and finishing with the outside of his right foot. The 20-year-old midfielder was Inter's most dangerous player before being substituted in the 62nd minute.

Lorenzini (Novara) — The central defender scored the crucial equaliser with a well-timed header from a corner and was part of a solid back three alongside Miceli and Moretti.

Graziani (Novara) — Introduced from the bench, the substitute midfielder struck the winner from 25 yards, his effort swerving awkwardly in front of the goalkeeper.

The match followed a predictable pre-season pattern: a sharp start from Inter, who had been in camp since Livigno, followed by Novara growing into the game as both sides made mass substitutions. The decisive period came after the 70th minute, when Novara's fresh legs from the bench — Graziani, Canneti, Cortese and others — coincided with Inter having used all 11 outfield substitutes. The provider data records the half-time score as 1-0 to Novara, but both official club reports confirm Inter led 1-0 at the break through Amerighi's first-minute goal.

For Novara, this was a significant step forward in Birindelli's pre-season preparations. The Serie C side showed character to recover from a goal down inside the first minute and dominated the second half.

"Today we wanted to see a team that worked together, compact, and that reacted to situations, as happened after the goal we conceded," Birindelli told the club's official channels. "Even those who came on played well, which pleased me. After twenty days of work, I can say I'm happy."

Birindelli also noted the atmosphere: "It was nice to play with a full stand — we thank the azzurri fans for coming in numbers. We have to be the ones to carry the fans along with the right attitude and performances on the pitch."

Inter U23 suffered their first defeat of pre-season after beating Grosio in their opening test. Vecchi's side travel to Zanica on Sunday 2 August to face AlbinoLeffe in their next friendly. Novara's next friendly is scheduled for Saturday 1 August against Sampdoria in Bogliasco.

A deserved comeback win for Novara, who grew into the match as Inter's early sharpness faded. The gap in preparation time narrowed as the game wore on, and Birindelli's side showed greater second-half cohesion. Amerighi's opener was a moment of genuine quality, but Inter's defensive organisation unravelled once the substitutes took the field. A useful exercise for both Serie C outfits ahead of the new season.