Maresca began the clash against The Black and Blues with young aces Stephen Mfuni and Divin Mubama while Phil Foden and Rico Lewis have also famously graduated through the age groups.
The quartet of Max Alleyne, Mamad Sangara, Kaden Braithwaite and Ryan McAidoo came on for the second half.
Mubama bagged the opening goal in the first half at the Kai Tak Stadium, while McAidoo caught the eye with a fine display of attacking intent after the break in a game that ended 1-1 in normal time before penalty shoot-out defeat for the Blues.
Meanwhile, seven other starlets were kept in reserve on the bench but could well see action in our final two Tour matches against K-League All Stars and Atletico Madrid.
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Maresca has been thrilled to see the Young Blues join him in the Far East and was very happy with performances of those who played in this opener in Asia.
“It’s amazing, it’s an amazing feeling,” said the boss to Matchday Live.
“They are from the Academy. They are from the home. So it’s nice for them.
“And also because they represent a little bit the fans and everyone.
“I was happy also with their performances so good.”
The game may have ended in spot-kick defeat for City but despite that, Maresca was satisfied with what he saw.
The manager stressed that at this point in pre-season it’s more about fitness than form.
“We struggled a bit more first half but we knew the reason why,” he added.
“In the second half we were much better.
“In this moment, I think it’s important the physical condition.
“In two weeks, we are already in an important game so it’s good that they get better and better and better.”
Watch the interview in the video player above.
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After Saturday’s meeting with Inter, we’ll now head to Seoul to play a K League All-Stars side on Wednesday 5 August and then Atletico Madrid on Sunday 9 August. Both games begin at 12:00 (UK).
Each game will be available to watch on mancity.com and our official app for current CITY+ subscribers globally*.
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*K-League All Stars v City: Globally available except South Korea
City v Atletico Madrid: Globally available except South Korea, Spain
