Italian football mourns the death of Sandro Mazzola, an authentic legend of Inter and of the blue sport. Born in Turin on 8 November 1942, son of Valentino Mazzola, the unforgettable captain of the Grande Torino who tragically died in the Superga disaster, Mazzola linked his entire playing career indissolubly to the nerazzurri colours. Wearing the Inter shirt he became one of the absolute symbols of the Grande Inter coached by Helenio Herrera, later also wearing the captain’s armband.

Beyond the victories and the plays that remain in history, his figure is tightly linked to one of the most fascinating and historic rivalries in our football. Iconic, both in the Milan derbies and in the national team, his duels with Gianni Rivera, star and flag of Milan of his era.

The eternal duel with Rivera and the legacy in football

A dualism that marked an entire football era, dividing and exciting generations of fans and athletes throughout Italy. With his passing, the football world loses an extraordinary champion, a top-level opponent who ennobled the Milanese giants and marked an era both with clubs and with the blue shirt.