Inter Milan struck twice in the final 18 minutes to secure a 2-0 victory over River Plate on Wednesday, sealing their place in the Club World Cup knockout phase as Group E leaders and eliminating the Argentine giants from the competition.
The breakthrough came in the 72nd minute through 19-year-old Francesco Esposito, who scored just his second appearance for Inter.
His goal came shortly after River were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Lucas Martínez Quarta for a last-man foul on Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Alessandro Bastoni then sealed the win deep into stoppage time with a rare attacking surge, ensuring Inter finished top of the group with seven points.
Esposito, who netted 17 times during a loan spell at Serie B side Spezia last season, showed composure beyond his years.
After being set up by a dynamic Petar Sucic run and perfectly threaded pass, the teenager weaved past two defenders before calmly placing the ball beyond Franco Armani.
Before the opener, Inter had already looked the more dangerous side. Lautaro Martínez came close on two occasions early in the second half.
In the 51st minute, he beat Armani with a low shot from the edge of the box, only to be denied by the post. Four minutes later, he latched onto a through ball from Matteo Darmian but fired straight at the goalkeeper.
River Plate had few answers and barely tested Yann Sommer. Their only attempt on target came in the first half when Franco Mastantuono’s distant strike was comfortably handled by the Swiss keeper.
Esposito also had a chance to score earlier in the 26th minute, but his shot was blocked after Nicolò Barella delivered a teasing cross into the area.
Tensions flared late in the game as Gonzalo Montiel received a second yellow during stoppage time, leaving River with nine men.
With the win, Inter advance to face Brazilian outfit Fluminense, one of four Brazilian teams to reach the round of 16, on Monday in Charlotte.
Monterrey, who cruised to a 4-0 win over Urawa Red Diamonds, take the second qualifying spot from Group E, edging River Plate by a single point.
