Sandro Mazzola is one of the biggest legends in Inter Milan history. The former attacking midfielder spent his entire club career with the Nerazzurri, making 417 appearances during his memorable 17 year spell. He was one of the top players of his era, renowned for his speed, work rate, creativity, technical skills, and ability to score goals.
In addition to his success with Inter, Mazzola also won the 1968 UEFA European Championship with Italy and finished as the 1970 FIFA World Cup runner-up.
This article will be focusing on his time with Inter, as we go back to his wonderful years in football.
Made in Inter
Mazzola and his brother Ferruccio began their football careers by joining Inter Milan. Their father was a former player as well, who had played for Torino. It was the beginning of a beautiful chapter for Mazzola, who went on to play his entire career with the Nerazzurri. He scored over 116 goals as well during this period.
The Italian was given his debut by Inter manager Helenio Herrera in the 1960–61 season along with several other youngsters in a league tie against Juventus. Mazzola scored a penalty goal in that match, but the Nerazzurri suffered a 9-1 thrashing by the Bianconeri. That was also his only appearance that season.
The Grande Inter era
Herrera eventually managed to turn his Inter side into not only the best in Italy, but the whole of European football in the 60's. The Nerazzurri side was filled with several world-class players at the time, they had the likes of Tarcisio Burgnich, Giacinto Facchetti, Jair, Mario Corso, Armando Picchi, and Mazzola himself who operated in the inside-right offensive position. Herrera's Grande Inter side were renowned for their defensive catenaccio style of football that enabled them to execute swift and sudden counterattacks.
Mazzola and his teammates went on to win 4 Serie A titles with Inter, with two of them being won consecutively in 1965 and 1966. He was especially instrumental in the 1965 campaign, as the Italian finished as the league's top scorer with 17 goals. This was also the campaign when Inter were on the brink of greatness, as they narrowly missed out on a treble.
The 1964 European Cup Final was a memorable one for the Nerazzurri, as Mazzola scored a legendary brace to help Inter beat Real Madrid. He finished the tournament as the joint top scorer with seven goals. They managed to regain their European Cup title in the succeeding season as well, beating Benfica in the final. Further European success came with Intercontinental Cups victories in 1964 and 1965. Thus Inter cemented themselves as the indisputable kings of Europe at the time.
Inter came close to repeating their European heroics in the following seasons as well, but ultimately came up short in conquering Europe once again. The closest they got to the title again was in 1972, but ultimately lost the final to Ajax 2-0.
Mazzola was outstanding for Inter during this period, and those contributions saw him finish second in the 1971 Ballon d'Or ranking, only behind Johan Cruyff.
Legacy
After a glorious 17 years with the Nerazzurri, Mazzola ended his football journey in the summer of 1977. The decision also meant the end of his time as Inter Captain, a role he served for the final 7 years of his Inter career. The Italian bid farewell as one the greatest servants in club history, thus cementing himself as much more than just a player for Inter.
Mazzola's legacy will live on eternally, and he'll forever have a glowing page in Inter's history books.
