U23s, Francesco Modesto: "We knew the game would be no pushover" 

In the immediate aftermath of the the second leg gane against Torres, coach Francesco Modesto shared his thoughts on both the game and the team's progression to the next round: "We didn't pass the test with full marks but, mind you, it was no pushover either: Torres are an outfit of experienced players who didn't settle for just caving in and, consequently, they ended up putting up a hard-fought display, a gritty contention. These games are part of our journey, and we'll put it down to experience. Although we ended up conceding too much at times, my overall feedback on the team is positive":

"We played in a tough setting, the kind of ambience where a lot of teams struggle to do well -continued the Nerazzurri coach- and they clearly had fire in their bellies. Despite the setback, we bit the bullet and saw the game through well. From now on out we'll be playing in packed-to-the-brim stadiums, so it's important to psych ourselves up for it".

He then concluded: "Qualifying for the quarterfinals is the just desert for all the hard work carried out throughout the season. Credits go to the Club, the staffing, everyone involved with the Under-23s project and foremost the lads themselves. In the end, they're the ones hitting the pitch. Now we'll be up against stronger and stronger sides. I don't have a preference, though, we'll just play the waiting game and see what the draw hands us".