Inter mourns legend Sandro Mazzola as he passes at 83

Former Italy forward Sandro Mazzola, who spent his entire club career at Inter Milan, has died aged 83. The club confirmed his death, recalling his 567 official appearances and 161 goals, and his role in four Serie A titles and two European Cup triumphs.

Mazzola was the son of Grande Torino hero Valentino Mazzola, who perished in the 1949 Superga air disaster when Sandro was six. He entered the world of calcio at six and devoted his whole professional life to Inter.

Internationally, he earned 70 caps for Italy, scoring 22 goals, helped the side win Euro 1968 and reach the 1970 World Cup final. In 1971 he finished second in the Ballon d'Or behind Johan Cruyff.

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After retiring in 1977, Mazzola served as Inter’s director of sport and worked as a commentator, entering the club’s Hall of Fame in 2022 and Italy’s in 2014. The club posted a tribute quoting his words about fighting on when victory seemed impossible.