The Yellows win their last pre-season friendly with a great game against the Nerazzurri
Villarreal beat Inter in a goalfest (2-4). The Yellows ended pre-season with a convincing win against a prestigious opponent. Unai Emery’s team were better than the Italian side throughout, and got their six win from eight friendlies. The Yellows’ goals were scored by Alfonso Pedraza, who found the back of the next twice; Francis Coquelin; and Nicolas Jackson.
The Submarine went ahead on the scoreboard just before the half-hour mark. Pedraza opened the scoring with a powerful left-footed volley that surprised Handanovic. The left-back got on the end of a ball knocked on by Coquelin after a cross from Juan Foyth from the right flank.
Minutes after the opener, Inter equalised through Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian striker headed into the back of the net after a cross from the left by Gosens.
Just before half-time, there was another goal in the first half. In the 43rd minute, Villarreal went ahead once more through Coquelin. The French midfielder finished after a low ball across the box from Álex Baena, after Dani Parejo opened up the game.
The second half started with another goal for the Submarine. Pedraza scored once more after galloping down the left flank. He reached the area and scored the third goal with a powerful low effort.
In the 66th minute, Inter got back in the game thanks to a D’Ambrossio header that looked offside. However, with ten minutes left, Jackson sentenced the match with Villarreal’s fourth goal, after a great ball into the space from José Luis Morales.
Lineups:
Inter: Handanovic; Dumfries (Bellanova, m. 63), De Vrij, Skriniar (D’Ambrosio, m. 63), Bastoni (Darmian, m. 54), Gosens (Dimarco, m. 54); Asllani, Barella (Gagliardini, m. 69), Calhanoglu (Mkhitaryan, m. 54); Lautaro Martínez (J. Correa, m. 69), Lukaku (Dzeko, m. 69).
Villarreal CF: Gero Rulli; Foyth, R. Albiol (Mandi. m. 71), Pau (J. Cuenca m. 71), A. Pedraza (Estupiñán. m. 62); Capoue, Coquelin (Chukwueze, m. 62), Parejo, Álex B (Morlanes, m. 79).; Yeremy (Morales, m. 62), N. Jackson.
Goals: 0-1. Min. 29: A. Pedraza. 1-1. Min. 37: Lukaku. 1-2. Min. 43: Coquelin. 1-3. Min. 48: A. Pedraza. 2-3. Min. 66: D’Ambrosio. 2-4. Min. 81: N. Jackson.
Referee: Antonio Rupuano. Booked: Calhanoglu, D’Ambrosio (Inter).
Matchday information: Match 8 of the European Summer Tour 2022 Color Star between Inter and Villarreal CF at the Stadio Adriatico in Pescara.
