Football Club Internazionale Milano Facts & History – Inter Milan players, club history, stats, news

Full name:

Football Club Internazionale Milano

Nickname(s):

Inter Milan, Inter, Internazionale

Founded:

1908

Home stadium:

San Siro Stadium

Chairman:

Massimo Moratti

Manager:

Roberto Mancini

League:

Serie A

Facts & History

Inter Milan Club Overview

The Inter Milan squad is an Italian powerhouse in the Italian Serie A league. 2008 marks 100 years of play for Inter Milan, playing the entire century in Serie A without ever being dropped to the lower league. Inter Milan’s home is Milan, Italy where they play in Meazza Stadium, more commonly known as San Siro Stadium. With 16 Serie A Championships under their belt, Inter have become one of the most loved clubs in the world. The club was created after A.C. Milan, Milan’s opposing team, was not welcoming of international players. FC Internazionale Milan was then created in hopes of forming a more diverse squad. The team was forced to change their name to A.S. Ambrosiana during World War I, and wore white uniforms with a red cross, instead of their trademark black and blue stripes. As World War II came to a close the team was able to return to the title Internazionale and wear the black and blue they don today. Inter was home to Guiseppe Meazza, one of the greatest football players of all time, and in its 100th year hosts international players such as Luis Figo, the bully Materazzi, Cruz, Ibrahimovic, and Hernan Crespo. The team is led by captain Javier Zanetti and coached by Roberto Mancini. Inter Milan experienced its Golden Age during the 1960’s and went on to experience a 17 year drought with no Serie A Scudetto. Inter has battled its way back to the top, taking the 2006, 2007 and 2008 scudetto.

Inter Milan History

The Early Years

Inter Milan was founded in March of 1908, by a group of men who were tired that A.C. Milan was dominated by Italian players. These visionaries wanted to create a team in which international players and Italian players could play wearing the same jerseys. Thus, the team was given the name, Internazionale Football Club Milano. The many men who found the club, Giorgio Muggiani, Bossard, Lana, Bertoloni, De Olma, Enrico Hintermann, Arturo Hintermann, Carlo Hintermann, Pietro Dell'Oro, Hugo and Hans Rietmann, Voelkel, Maner, Wipf, and Carlo Ardussi many of whom were A.C. Milan players, created a rivalry between the two teams that is visible in Serie A today.

Muggiani was a painter who also designed the club's logo, with its original colors gold, black and blue.

With its variety of foreign players Inter was a success and won its first Scudetto in 1910 only two years after its debut. Virgillio Fossati led the squad to their first Scudetto, but unfortunately he was killed in World War I. During the First World War, the Facist regime began to gain new heights in Italy under the leader Benito Mussolini. The new regimes rough and strict tactics influenced Inter and they were forced to merge with Milanese Unione Sportive and upcoming President Oreste Simonotti officially changed the club’s name to A.S. Ambrosiana. During this time the dedicated fans still chanted “Inter” for their team, even though the club wore white shirts with red crosses on the front to represent Milan’s flag. In 1930 Inter did not let the chaos of war stop them from winning their third Scudetto but it was recorded under the name, A.S. Ambrosiana. But in 1931, president Pozzani, with much pressure from fans and shareholders alike, changed the name to AS Ambrosiania Inter.

With powerhouse Giuseppe Meazza on the squad, Inter won their fourth Scudetto in 1938 ad its fifth in 1940. In the 1938-39 season the club took their first Coppa Italia win. Meazza, who the San Siro stadium is named after, wore the blue and black stripes for 13 years and to this day still holds the record of 288 goals in 361 appearances. As World War II came to a close so did the name Ambrosiana, the club went back to a closer version of their original name, Internazionale FC Milano. In 1953 and 1954 they won back to back Scudettos, and the era known as La Grande Inter began.

La Grande Inter

Coach Helenio Herrara, an Argentinean trainer led Inter through what was their golden age establishing Inter as a world renowned European powerhouse. Herrara was known as “Il Mago,” the magician, who is often regarded as the revolutionary of the Catenaccio style. This style was a defensive based soccer strategy that added a sweeper to the back line. He was quite a strict coach, concerned with the game as well as fitness, dieting and tactics. Inter took the Serie A championships in 1963, 1965, and 1966. They were also able to take the UEFA Euro Cup trophy two years in a row in 1964 and 1965, as well as the Intercontinental Cup. Defeating Real Madrid to win the first cup, and Benfica, a two time champion, for the UEFA Euro Cup was an amazing accomplishment for the squad. With players such as Giacinto Facchetti, Sandro Mazzola and Luis Suarez Inter was home to some of the greatest players of all time. The team was able to stay undefeated at home for three years, between 1964-1967. When they did not win they came close as runners up in 1964 against Bologna for the Scudetto and 1967 Euro Cup against the Celtics. They were the absolutely unstoppable in the 1960’s.

Trapattoni Years

As the 1970’s began, Inter continued doing well winning the 1971 and 1980 Scudetto. Soon Inter was led by a new coach, Giovanni Trapattoni, who also led the team to great victories. By 1989 Inter had won their 13th Serie A Scudetto. There success was much due to their defensive leader Guiseppe Bergomi who played with Inter for two decades holding the appearance record of 519, Argentine Ramon Diaz and German players, Brehme, Kinsmann and Mathhheus. The team also won the Italian Super Cup in 1989, continuing Inter’s reign as a dangerous competitor. No one expected what came next, a period known as the “Dark Age” or the “Inter Drought.”

The Dark Age

Inter flew through the 1990’s with a few major tournament wins, but their Scudetto drought dwindled into the new millennium, lasting 17 years.

Inter was highly successful in the UEFA Champions League, taking the championship in 1991, 1994 and 1998. Perhaps the tournament wins were overshadowed by over a decade of no victory in Serie A. Perhaps what made it more difficult was that Inter rivals, AC Milan and Juventus were victorious in Serie A and European Competitions. The 1990’s served as the first decade where Inter did not win a Scudetto.

1994 proved to be a dangerous season for Inter as they were only one point away from being dropped down to Serie B, securing their place today as the only team to have not been relegated from Serie A. After this near fall, Massimo Moratti took ownership of the club as chairman and in hopes to revamp the club’s successes invested millions and millions into the club. With his investments in players like Hernan Crespo, Brazilian phenomenon Ronaldo, and Christian Vieri the glory days almost returned in 1998. But Juventus took the scudetto after a season of sea saw victories and a controversial win, leaving Inter to look to the next season.

In 1998-99 Inter, for the first time in almost ten years, did not qualify to play in the UEFA Cup. This was a huge shock, and Inter fans reacted angrily. In 1999-00 Moratti who had been given the manager of the year award in 1998, added Marcelo Lippi, former Juventus manger to his team. That year, they were able to push into the Italian Cup finals against Lazio, but were unable to score a victory, and Lazio took the trophy and the Scudetto. With new players such as Angelo Peruzzi and Robbie Keane, the 2000-01 season looked like it could be the return of the Golden Age. But it was not. Inter lost in the First Round of the Champions League, and lost to Reggina for the first time in Serie A. Lippi was fired as manager and lost 6-0 against rivals AC Milan in the Derby match. It as an embarrassing and frustrating season for the club. Marco Tardelli, who replaced Lippi, was scrutinized and remembered for leading Inter into a horrifying loss to AC Milan in the Derby. The Inter fans, were not happy and revolted vandalizing property, turning against certain players and leaving huge chunks of the home stadium empty in future games.

In 2002 it looked like Inter would win the Scudetto. On May 5, 2002 Inter fans were left frustrated and in awe. In order for Inter to take the Scudetto they would have had to win an away match against Lazio. Winning 2-0 in the first half, Inter fell apart during the second half, and Lazio took the game 4-2. It was a saddening event for Inter, and Juventus, higher in points, took the Scudetto out of Inter’s hands.

In the 2002-03 Inter were gaining a better reputation as they made it to the UEFA Champions League Semi Finals, to face none other than AC Milan. The match was a good one with a tie 1-1, but due to the away goals rule, Inter was unable to advance. Moretti, acted quick and once again altered a team that looked like it could have been on its way to victory, he sold Crespo after one season and fired Hector Cuper as coach. He brought in Alberto Zaccheroni, a former Lazio coach. Nothing seemed to change, Inter were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League in the first round. Inter was bound to come together soon, and eventually after 17 years of drought they were resurrected.

Comeback Time

In June of 2005 Inter Milan won the Italian Cup against Roma and then in August they also won the Italian Super Cup in an overtime 1-0 victory against Juventus. Inter Milan was back on the map. In 2006 as a result of the Calciopoli case that stripped Juventus of its title, Inter was given the Scudetto. Juventus, was not only stripped of its title but relegated to Serie B. It was a moment of excitement for the Inter Milan club, but many wished the Scudetto win, could have been awarded due to performance on the field. With Coach Mancini leading the team, Inter was back, with 17 consecutive league wins and their 15th Scudetto win. The deduction of points for AC Milan and relegation of Juventus opened up a space for Inter to progress and hold its position. In 2008, Inter celebrated its 100 years of history, the team also wore the white jerseys with red crosses as they had worn in the early part of the 20th century to honor its history.

Club Rivalries

AC Milan

Stars of the Current Inter Squad

Javier Zanetti
Javier Zanetti is an Argentinean National Player, is currently the squad’s captain an has been a vital player since he joined in 1995. He has won 7 trophies with Inter Milan. His tactics and ability to blow past the opposing defence to join in the attack have led him to be well respected in Italy. He has over 500 caps with Inter.

Julio Cesar
Julio Cesar from Brazil currently stands in the goal for Inter Milano. Starting as goalkeeper since 2006 he is a well recognizable face on the squad, and has made dire saves, such as the penalty kick saved in the 2007-08 season in a victory against Empoli.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a Swedish National player has gained great achievement with Inter. Playing over one hundred matches with the squad, he is a constant strong figure on the field. Though he has only been with the club since 2006, he was part of the team that won Serie A in 2007, by a great margin. As of March 2008 he is leading the squad in goals this season with 17. Luis Figo, <a href=link to Luis Figo page>Luis Figo</a> captain of the Portuguese National Team, is a rock on the Inter Milan squad. Playing on the right wing, he has led the team in many attacks, and has much experience in the game. His current contract runs until June 2008. Hernan Crespo <a href=link to Hernan Crespo page>Hernan Crespo</a> the bright Argentinean player, joined Inter as a player on loan from Chelsea. Scoring endless goals and even a hat trick against Lazio, he was officially re-signed (playing with Inter for the 2002-2003 season) by Inter in summer 2007. He was part of the victorious 2007 Scudetto winners.

Julio Cruz
Julio Cruz is currently a strong striker for Inter Milan. Joining the team in 2003, Cruz did not start many games, as his position was be played by other great strikers. As he progressed he has become a stronghold on the front line, scoring over 150 goals wearing the black and blue stripes. He is currently the second highest goal scorer this season and has re-signed a contract keeping him with Inter until 2009.

Marco Materazzi
Marco Materazzi a native of Italy and National team player, has been a star defender for the team since 2001. Most known for his quarrel in the 2006 World Cup, where he was head butted by French Captain Zidane, Materazzi has proved himself as a fierce defender sending opponents away. He has also aided in scoring goals for Inter. Standing at 6’4’’ he is a weapon in the box, most effectively with his head. Some say he's a cowardly bully, others don't agree.

Club Legends

Guiseppe Meazza
Guiseppe Meazza is one of the most well known soccer players of all time, much due to his successes while playing with Inter in the 1930’s. Meazza holds the record for most Inter goals, with 288 which he scored in only 361 games. He captained Italy to their second World Cup Victory in 1938. He played with Inter from 1927 until 1939, when he then moved to A.C. Milan and had a run with Juventus and Atalanta. After he had retired he went on to manage the Inter Milan Team. He became an Italian legend, and gained international fans and support. Inter grew as a team due to the successes of Meazza. For this reason a year after he died, in 1980 the San Siro stadium was renamed for him.

Inter Milan has been home to some of the world’s greatest players, including Italians Fabio Cannavaro, Roberto Baggio and Christian Vieri, Brazilians Adriano Ribeiro (out on loan) and Ronaldo, and Ermanno Aebi.

Also, the #3 jersey is retired in honor of Giacinto Facchetti, the player with the second most appearances for Internazionale.

Most Appearances

Rank	Player	Career Dates	# Appearances

Most Goals

Rank	Player	Career Dates	# Goals

Player Recognition & Awards

Team Honours

Serie A Scudetto - 1909-1910, 1919-20, 1929-30, 1937-38, 1939-40, 1952-53, 1962-63, 1964-65, 1965-66,1970-71, 1979-80, 1988-89, 2005-06, 2006-07

Coppa Italia - 1938-39, 1977-78, 1981-82, 2004-05, 2005-06

UEFA Cup - 1990-91, 1993-94, 1997-98

Italian Super Cup - 1989, 2005, 2006

Champions League - 1963-64, 1964-65

Intercontinental Cup - 1964, 1965

Club Management

Currently Roberto Mancini is the coach and manager of Internazionale Milan. Hired in 2004, Mancini has brought the club to two Scudetto victories. The other staff is as follows: Asstistant Coach-Sinisa Mhaljlovic, Goalkeeper Coach- Guilio Nuciari and Chief Athletic trainer- Ivan Carminati. The current president is Massimo Moratti, followed by Vice presidents Angelomario Moratti and Rinaldo Ghelfi. Moratti, as chairman has invested funds into the club to build it back up to its former successes.

Uniforms

Inter Milan is known as NerraAzzurri, meaning Black and Blue. The team wears black and blue stripes which have become an immediate representation of the club. The origins of the colors go back to the beginning of the club in 1908, blue to represent the sky and black to represent the night. Internazionale experienced a merger in 1928, and became Ambrosiana SS Milano. No longer being represented by the black and blue stripes, the club wore white jerseys with a red cross over it, the flag of Milan. As World War to came to an end in 1945, Internazionale reverted back to their original Name, Internazionale Milano, and of course their original uniforms with black and blue stripes. Today Inter still wears the stripes. Although the white jersey and red cross ended their home team dominance in the 1940’s they are worn on occasion during away games. They also wore it to celebrate the club’s 100th anninversary.

Image:Inter alternative.jpg

Stadium

Inter Milan plays at Stadio Guiseppe Meazza, more commonly called San Siro, the Milanese district it stands in. Located in Milan, Italy Internazionale shares this stadium with fellow Milan rivals, A.C. Milan. The stadium completed its construction in 1926 for 5 million Lira (Italian Currency) and was built specifically for soccer. It has a large roof, rather steep stands and a close intimacy with the field making it one of the most exciting stadiums to watch soccer. The stadium was officially inaugurated in September 1926 for a battle between Inter and A.C. Milan. In its first official opening Inter Milan beat A.C. Milan 6-3 with 35, 000 screaming fans watching. Although intended to be the home field for A.C., Inter joined quickly calling it their home field as well. In 1957 lights were installed allowing night games to be played, and in 1967 an electronic scoreboard was added. In 1980 it was renamed after Guiseppe Meazza, a star for both A.C. Milan and Internazionale. A.C. Milan prefer to call it San Siro, as Meazza was more successful with Inter having a stronger base with Inter fans.

San Siro has been home to many Italian National matches as well as the Champions League and UEFA Euro Cup. It was also host to many games during the 1990 World Cup. Prior to this cup, the stadium went through $60 million of renovation in order to become a 5 star rated UEFA stadium. The stadium grew with extra tiers being added to three sides and all areas perfected for seating. The stadium can hold a max capacity of 82, 955 spectators today and offers tours as well as A.C. Milan and Internazionale museums.