BAKU – It may have been a meaningless fixture for some – the result certainly meant nothing in terms of the standings – but if you’ve spent years working your way up through the academy ranks and finally get the chance to turn out for the senior side, then Qarabag v Inter will undoubtedly have a special feel to it.

That was the case for Enrico Baldini and Federico Dimarco tonight: the winger, 18, and left-back, 17, made their first-team debuts against Qarabag, replacing Joel Obi and Danilo D’Ambrosio respectively.

After the match they shared their thoughts and feelings with Inter Channel.

Baldini admitted: WI’d been dreaming about this moment for a while. I’m absolutely thrilled. I tried to use my head out there and everyone helped me. I want to dedicate my debut to my family and brother.”

Enrico’s Primavera team-mate Federico was experiencing similar feelings. He said: “I’m delighted and very grateful to the gaffer. I’ve been rewarded for all the hard work I’ve put in. I’ve been at this club for ten years so getting to where I am today feels even more special. I’m so excited, I don’t even know if I’ll be able to get to sleep tonight!”

Isaac Donkor meanwhile was handed a starting berth against the Azeri outfit, having made his own Nerazzurri bow back in 2012.

After turning in an impressive display alongside Andreolli at the heart of defence, the Ghanaian defender revealed: “I’m really happy with the way I played today. We have to keep on helping each other out – that’s the key to success. We tried to do that today and we’re pleased with our performance.

“On a personal level I’m satisfied. I tried to do what I ‘m good at and keep it nice and simple. After today’s game I hope the gaffer will give me another opportunity to show what I can do. I’m available whenever needed.”

BAKU – Rene Krhin stopped to speak to Mediaset after Inter drew with Qarabag in Matchday 6 of the Europa League.

The Slovene midfielder said: “I’ve been working really hard recently. It took me a bit of time to adjust to the tempo at the start but as the minutes wore on I felt more and more comfortable. I hadn’t played more than 40 minutes in over three months. Obviously we’d all like to play eveyr game. I’ll just keep plugging away and make sure I’m ready whenever I’m called on.”

BAKU – So Inter come away from Azerbaijan with a draw. The result was always going to be inconsequential with the Nerazzurri already certain of their place among the seeds in the draw for the last 32, but the 0-0 with Qarabag offered plenty of positives nonetheless.

For a start, the point against means Inter end their 2014/15 UEFA Europa League Group F campaign undefeated.

The game also provided Roberto Mancini with an opportunity to test out the fitness of certain players edging their way back after spells on the sidlines, while at the same time allowing him to blood some of the youngsters he drafted into the squad for the occasion.

The coach shared his views with the media after the final whistle: “It was a good game and all the lads played well. They tried to hold a high line and showed the right attitude. Qarabag are a very good team and I’m sorry they didn’t make it through to the next round.

“I was happy with the response the boys I put out there gave me today. We had some guys who hadn’t played for ages, who were coming off the back of injuries. And there were several kids involved too. Donkor was excellent, for example. And so too was Bonazzoli – he might have scored tonight.

“Now it’s important that we keep on grafting and make sure that we keep on improving. We play Chievo on Monday so we’ll get straight back out there and start preparing for is as best we can.”

BAKU – Danilo D’Ambrosio says he is pleased to have successfully negotiated his first start since returning from injury and now wants the team to push on in Serie A following tonight’s draw with Qarabag in Baku.

“I’d been out of action for two months so this was an important test for me tonight and I came through it unscathed,” the full-back said after the game in an interview with Mediaset.

“We played well in the first half although we made a few too many mistakes after the break. Still, we showed that we have 25 potential starters in this squad.”

Attentions are now firmly back on domestic matters and Danilo explained: “We have to take the first half against Udinese and start from that. The upcoming matches against Chievo and Lazio are two important hurdles for us.”
 

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