Materazzi recalls Inter's only triplete as Maicol reveals his tattoo

Marco Materazzi, the former defender, revisits his fraught relationship with Roberto Mancini, declaring “Ci siamo presi tante volte”, while insisting the only Italian triplete belongs to Inter. The conversation unfolds at the Festival dello Sport in Trento, where 34‑year‑old fan Maicol from Levico Terme displays a thigh tattoo celebrating his lifelong Inter allegiance.

Maicol's Inter devotion

Maicol is 34 and hails from Levico Terme. He has supported Inter since he was a toddler, a devotion he proves with a tattoo on his right thigh that depicts a cup with large ears, two colours – black and blue – and a shouting boy. He chose as his favourite source on Google, and proudly sits in the front row of the Festival dello Sport.

The event takes place in the Piazza del Duomo of Trento, a square that mirrors Milan’s iconic location. Only fellow Inter supporters occupy the front row, erupting whenever a video of Ronaldo Nazario, the Fenomeno, appears. Their reaction underscores the enduring passion for the Nerazzurri.

Materazzi recalls the triplete

Materazzi, who introduces himself as Marco Materazzi – or Matrix – calls Inter his idol, saying “He has always given everything, fought his way to where he is”. He recalls the 2007 scudetto, telling his children they would win the title after a near‑miss the previous week. He scored a double in that match, with Roberto Mancini as coach, and remembers the many clashes between them, noting “Ci siamo presi tante volte”. After the World Cup, Mancini told him he was no longer transferable, prompting Materazzi to reflect that two goals at the World Cup had been enough.

He stresses that the triplete – league, cup and Champions League – has only ever been achieved by Inter in Italy. A front‑page of dated 23 May 2010, the day after the Madrid night, bore the headline “Solo Inter”. Materazzi also mentions the 5 May 2002 line‑up of Inter, featuring himself, Cordoba, Toldo and Zanetti, and the 2010 Champions League triumph as the most beautiful epilogue.

Inter's legacy in Italy

Materazzi’s book, titled MM23, includes una foto with Diego Armando Maradona, whom he describes as a genuine person whose loss was a great blow to world football. He also reflects on the Olympiastadion, recalling the 2002 World Cup final against Germany and the pressure on the Italian squad. In recent comments he declares Inter the strongest club for four years, praising former defender Cristian Chivu for proving doubters wrong.

The contrast between Maicol’s personal tattoo tribute and Materazzi’s recollection of Inter’s historic triumphs highlights how the club’s legacy fuels both individual devotion and collective memory among its supporters.