Inter ultras pay tribute to Sandro Mazzola at Milan basilica

Hundreds of Inter supporters gathered at the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milano as the coffin of Sandro Mazzola entered the sacred space. A long applause rose from the crowd before moments of deep reverence followed. White roses and lilies lay on the casket, while the historic number 8 shirt he wore was fixed to its front.

Ultras' banner and fan applause

In the square outside the basilica, Inter ultras unfurled a banner that read, “Il tuo nome resta tra le pagine della nostra storia. Il tuo ricordo nel cuore della nostra Curva. Ciao Sandro.” The banner captured the emotional tone of the day, linking Mazzola’s name forever with the Curva. The applause from the hundreds of fans underscored the collective grief.

Inter legends and president join

Former Inter players also paid their respects. Aristide Guarneri, Giuseppe Bergomi, Francesco Toldo, Ivan Ramiro Córdoba, Esteban Cambiasso and Gianfelice Facchetti, son of Giacinto, were among those present. Club president Giuseppe Marotta arrived shortly before the coffin was laid to rest inside the basilica.

“He was an important person for me, he pushed for my debut with Bersellini and helped me sign my first contract,” Bergomi said. “He was never a divisive figure; he was a great champion, a champion of everyone.”

Club leaders speak of legacy

President Marotta called Mazzola “a legend who has left us” and stressed that preserving the values embodied by the great player is the club’s main duty. He added that these values must be transmitted to the youngsters in Inter’s youth sector, as they shape the future of the club.

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Representatives from Juventus and Milan also received applause. Juventus chief executive Giovanni Carnevali and sporting director Ricky Massara were welcomed by a portion of the Inter crowd, as were Milan’s number one Paolo Scaroni and former forward Daniele Massaro.

The presence of Juventus officials recalled a recent incident at a Juventus‑Atalanta match where some Juventus supporters turned their backs during a minute of silence; the club issued a note immediately dissociating itself from that behaviour.

FIGC president Giovanni Malagò recalled his childhood memory of Italy’s 4‑3 win over Germany, thanking Mazzola for the inspiration he gave to a generation of fans.

Clergy and broader football community reflect

Monsignor Carlo Faccendini, abbot of the basilica, addressed the gathering, saying that Milanese “thank him for the prestige he gave to the city.” He described the ceremony as both an act of love and a gesture of faith, recalling Mazzola’s meeting with Padre Pio and his habit of praying on his knees.

The abbot also traced Mazzola’s life from a childhood marked by the loss of his father, through his early football steps near the basilica, to his deep bond with Inter, which he likened to a mother. He highlighted the player’s humanity, strong family ties and the calm with which he faced a difficult illness, concluding with a final blessing as the funeral drew to a close.