With the Group Stage of the 2014 Viareggio Cup heading into its last day, there were many surprises for those sides involved.
Hellas Verona, who needed a win in order to qualify for the last eight went 2-1 down to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, but two dramatic goals in injury time from Godfred Donsah and Alessandro Gatto earned the Mastini a win and passage into the next round of the tournament. While PSV were reduced to nine men in the final moments of the game.
Elsewhere in Group 7, Empoli beat LIAC New York 1-0 to ensure they finished top of the standings, a Diego Frugoli penalty gave them the win.
Meanwhile Parma continued their perfect Group Stage record with an excellent 3-2 win over Desportivo Brasil. The Gialloblu raced into a three goal first half lead, but were pegged back in the second, though in reality they never looked likely to drop points.
However, Lazio, who were in need of a win to have any chance of qualification, faced Club Nacional and endured a 2-1 loss, and thus elimination. Things did look like they were going the way of the Biancocelesti as Cristiano Lombardi put them ahead after just six minutes, but an Alvarez penalty and another from Delvalle gave the Paraguayan side the win and top spot in Group 6.
Sampdoria also maintained their 100 percent record in the competition with a 1-0 win over Congo’s U17 side, while Rijeka also secured qualification as they defeated Genoa 2-0.
As a result the last eight has been decided with Inter, AC Milan and Juventus now being added to the tournament.
Fiorentina – Livorno
Parma – Torino
Milan – Rijeka
Sampdoria – Envigado
Juventus – Hellas Verona
Palermo – Empoli
Inter – Anderlecht
Club Nacional – Atalanta
