De Laurentiis expresses condolences over the death of Sandro Mazzola

On April 23, 2026, Italian football learned of the passing of Sandro Mazzola, 81, icon of Inter and the national team, European champion in 1968 and World runner‑up in 1970. President Aurelio De Laurentiis, coach Massimiliano Allegri and the entire SSC Napoli expressed deep condolences.

Mazzola was shortlisted nine times for the Ballon d’Or. In 1971 he finished second, just behind Johan Cruijff.

Individual triumphs and recognitions

In 1963‑64 he was the top scorer in the European Cup, while in 1965 he led the Serie A scoring charts. He was inducted into the Italian football Hall of Fame in 2014 and into Inter’s Hall of Fame in 2022.

With Inter he amassed 570 appearances and 162 goals. He won four scudetti, two European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups and captained the side for seven seasons.

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For the national team he played from 1963 to 1974, contributing to the 1968 European triumph, Italy’s first success in the competition. He took part in the 1966 World Cup in England, the 1970 World Cup in Mexico and the 1974 World Cup in West Germany.

After retiring he held several managerial positions at Inter. The last was as sporting director from 1995 to 1999.

De Laurentiis, Allegri and the SSC Napoli executives remembered Mazzola as an indelible symbol of Italian football. The blue club sent its sincerest thoughts of solidarity to the family.