Novara 2 – 1 Inter Milan U23
International Club Friendly – 26 July 2026, 23:30

Novara claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan’s Under-23 side in a pre-season friendly that provided valuable minutes for both squads. The Serie C hosts edged ahead early and withstood a late Inter push to celebrate a morale-boosting win.

Match Report

The game kicked off at a brisk pace, with Novara taking the lead inside ten minutes. A corner from the left was flicked on and Luca Scognamiglio bundled the ball over the line from close range. Inter responded well, dominating possession but struggling to break down a compact Novara defence.

Just before the half-hour mark, Novara doubled their advantage. A quick counter-attack caught Inter off guard, and Federico Cester finished calmly past the young Inter goalkeeper.

Inter pulled one back shortly after the interval. Mattia Baldini curled a free kick from 20 yards into the top corner, giving Novara’s keeper no chance. The visitors pushed for an equaliser but Novara held firm, clearing a goal-bound header off the line in the 77th minute.

Key Goals

• 10' – 1-0: Luca Scognamiglio (Novara) – close-range header from a corner.
• 28' – 2-0: Federico Cester (Novara) – clinical finish on the break.
• 52' – 2-1: Mattia Baldini (Inter U23) – superb free kick.

Player Focus

Inter Milan U23 fielded a mix of academy prospects and first-team fringe players. Mattia Baldini impressed with his set-piece ability, while Tommaso Mancini showed promise with his dribbling. For Novara, Luca Scognamiglio not only scored but also led the defensive line well.

Friendly Context

These pre-season friendlies are crucial for building match fitness. Novara are preparing for their Serie C campaign, while Inter U23 are looking to develop young talents before the Primavera season begins. The result, though unofficial, gives Novara confidence ahead of their league opener.

Both sides are expected to play another friendly in the coming days before turning their full attention to competitive fixtures.