FC Vado held Inter Milan U23 to a 1-1 draw in the opening round of the Serie C PRO Cup on 15 August 2026, producing a determined performance that frustrated the highly rated young Nerazzurri. The result keeps both sides level as the cup competition heads toward a decisive second phase, with Vado proving they can compete against one of the strongest youth setups in Italian football.
Cup Context
The Serie C PRO Cup gives clubs from Italy’s third tier and selected reserve sides a chance to fight for silverware early in the season. Inter Milan U23 entered the contest as favourites, boasting a squad packed with promising talents looking to impress the senior coaching staff. Vado, the historic club from Liguria, knew they would have to be disciplined and clinical to get a positive result on home soil.
Match Summary
Vado started brightly and took the lead against the run of play in the 27th minute. A quick counter-attack caught Inter’s defence out of position, allowing forward Luca Ferraro to slide the ball inside the far post. The goal gave the home side confidence, and they defended stubbornly for the remainder of the first half, frustrating Inter’s academy stars with a compact and organised midfield.
Inter Milan U23 improved noticeably after the break. They dominated possession and created several clear chances, equalising in the 64th minute when midfielder Nicolò Zanetti curled a precise shot around the Vado goalkeeper from the edge of the area. The young Nerazzurri pushed forward in search of a winner, but Vado’s defence held their lines well, and the hosts even had a late chance to snatch all three points on the counter.
Key Performances
- Luca Ferraro (Vado): A constant threat on the break and the scorer of the opening goal.
- Gabriele Costa (Vado): The goalkeeper made several important saves, particularly in the second half.
- Nicolò Zanetti (Inter U23): His equalising goal showed great technique and calmness under pressure.
- Riccardo Monti (Inter U23): The defender kept his side organised despite Vado’s early momentum.
What Comes Next
The 1-1 draw means the tie remains finely balanced, with the second leg set to take place at Inter Milan U23’s home ground. Vado will be confident that another disciplined display can see them into the next round, while the young Nerazzurri will need to be more clinical in front of goal. The match is a reminder of the depth and unpredictability of Italian football’s cup competitions, where lower-tier clubs can push their more fancied opponents all the way.