Inter’s week-long training camp in Malta got off to a promising start for Raoul Bellanova who scored his first goal for the club as the youngster found the back of the net in Monday’s friendly 6-1 win over Gżira United.
The highly-rated defender made his first-team debut for the 19-time Italian champions in August, featuring off the bench in the Giuseppe Meazza clash against Cremonese.
On Monday, the 22-year-old right-back used his lightning pace to run behind the defence and meet a raking cross from the right wing back Alessandro Bastoni with a header.
Raoul Bellanova gives his comments after Inter’s win against Gżira United. Video: Paul Cachia
“It’s always a great feeling to score a goal albeit in a friendly,” Bellanova told the Times of Malta.
“We are working hard and well. I’m satisified,” he added.
Inter have flown out for their training camp in Malta on Monday to prepare for the return of Serie A action against leaders Napoli on January 4.
Inter began preparing in earnest for the restart in January, and they now intend to expand on that with some intense warm-weather training, while also using the camp as an opportunity for coach Simone Inzaghi to give fringe players a chance to shine. Bellanova took full advantage of this opportunity.
“We have a big match when the Serie A resumes after the World Cup,” Bellanova added.
Inter did not have an auspicious start to the season, after losing four in six matches but with a 3-2 win over Atalanta before the winter break, they moved up to joint-fourth, trailing leaders Napoli by 11 points.
“We will work hard until the last minute as well as keep believing that a comeback for a title challenge is still on the cards,” he explained.
Gżira United midfielder Nikki Muscat gives his views after the friendly against Inter. Video: Paul Cachia
For the Juve fan and Gżira captain Nikki Muscat last night’s friendly was a memorable match.
“It was a pleasure for us to play against the Serie A team such Inter,” he explained.
“It was a unqiue learning experience for us. The knowledge gained will be useful for the upcoming matches in the Premier League in our bid to fight for the title.”
