Report – France U21 Star Impresses With Performance In Inter Milan Vs Padova Behind-Closed-Doors Friendly

Originally posted on SempreInter.com | By Toni Weeler | Last updated Sep 6, 2025 5:59 AM ET

Midfielder Andy Diouf has won plaudits for his performance in Inter Milan’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Padova.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, name the Frenchman’s performance as a highlight in the 3-1 friendly win for Inter.

Inter Milan faced off against Padova in a behind-closed-doors friendly match yesterday.

The Nerazzurri lined up with a back three of Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, and Tomas Palacios. These three were not on international duty during the break.

Meanwhile, Andy Diouf partnered Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a two-man central midfield.

Inter won the friendly match 3-1. However, the scoreline was hardly the important aspect.

Rather, Nerazzurri coach Cristian Chivu used the opportunity to observe the players who have not received national team call-ups, as his prepares for the season to really get into gear.

Andy Diouf Hailed For Performance In Inter 3-1 Padova Friendly Win

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, the player who really caught the eye yesterday was Andy Diouf.

Inter signed the 22-year-old in the last couple of weeks of the transfer window. He is the player they’ve identified to bolster their central midfield along with Petar Sucic.

However, whereas Sucic has started both Inter’s two opening Serie A matches, Diouf has only made a cameo appearance.

The Frenchman didn’t really have the chance to impress off the bench in Inter’s opening day win over Torino.

However, yesterday, Diouf played from the start.

And in the friendly win, the former Lens midfielder looked highly formidable.

Diouf showed just about everything in his bag of tricks, the Gazzetta report.

Inter signed Diouf in the hopes that he can offer solutions that none of their other midfielders in their squad. And according to the Gazzetta, the signs showed exactly that yesterday.

This article first appeared on SempreInter.com and was syndicated with permission.

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