Maresca’s Man City reign begins with shootout defeat to Inter | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca’s first match as Manchester City manager ended in a penalty shootout defeat after his side drew 1-1 with Inter Milan in an entertaining pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.

The Italian champions prevailed 3-1 on penalties, with Matteo Lavelli converting the decisive spot-kick after neither side could find a winner during normal time.

City made a bright start and deservedly took the lead in the 14th minute. Antoine Semenyo burst down the left before delivering a low cross that youngster Divin Mubama converted from close range to mark Maresca’s first goal as City boss.

Semenyo continued to trouble the Inter defence and almost doubled City’s advantage with a superb solo run, weaving past several challenges before being denied by goalkeeper Josep Martinez.

Maresca’s first Man City outing ends in shootout defeat to Inter

Inter responded well and were back on level terms just minutes later. City’s defence failed to deal with Jamal Iddrissou’s delivery into the box, allowing Benjamin Pavard to fire home from near the penalty spot.

Both sides created opportunities after the interval as the match remained evenly balanced. City came closest to snatching victory late on, with Vitor Reis striking the crossbar before teenage winger Ryan McAidoo rattled the post as Maresca’s side pushed for a winner.

With the scores still level after 90 minutes, the contest went straight to penalties, where Inter held their nerve to secure victory.

Although City were unable to mark Maresca’s debut with a win, there were encouraging signs for the new manager, particularly from Semenyo and several of the club’s younger players, who impressed against the Serie A champions.

The result offered an early glimpse of the work awaiting Maresca as he begins the task of succeeding Pep Guardiola, with pre-season continuing to provide valuable opportunities to assess his squad ahead of the new campaign.

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