Sandro Mazzola (83) dies: Inter mourns the legend
Inter confirmed Friday evening that Sandro Mazzola, the 83‑year‑old legend of the Nerazzurri, has died. The former club player, who from 1960 to 1977 played 567 matches for Inter, scored 161 goals and in 1972 stood alongside Gianni Rivera against AC Milan, is regarded by the Italian football world as one of the club's greatest players.
Career at Inter
Mazzola spent his entire professional career at Inter, from 1960 to 1977. During that period he made 567 appearances and found the net 161 times. With the Nerazzurri he won four league titles and was seen as the symbol of the Grande Inter, together with legendary teammates such as Giacinto Facchetti, Armando Picchi and Giacomo Burgnich.
International successes
For the national team Mazzola scored 22 times in 70 caps, with which he lost the 1970 World Cup final against Brazil. Two years later he won Euro 1968. At club level he helped Inter to the European Cup I in 1964 (3‑1 against Real Madrid) and in 1965 (1‑0 against Benfica).
Early years and family
Mazzola’s father Valentino, himself a well‑known footballer, died at the Superga disaster on 4 May 1949 at the age of 30, when Sandro was only six. Nevertheless the younger Mazzola began wearing the Inter shirt at the age of eight. He scored his first goal at 18, a penalty in the legendary Juventus‑Inter match of 10 June 1961.
Italy kicks off a new era, secured top seed for Euro 2028
Individually he was Serie A top scorer in 1965 with seventeen goals and the European Cup I top scorer in 1964 with seven strikes. His performances earned him a second place in the Ballon d’Or voting of 1971, behind Johan Cruyff.
After his playing career Mazzola served as sporting director at Inter. In that capacity he played a key role in the signing of Ronaldo, an event that celebrated its fiftieth anniversary last year.
Inter issued an emotional statement on Friday evening: “He is an eternal symbol for the Nerazzurri, a man who always fights, even when it seems impossible.” It is expected that a minute’s silence will be observed at all Serie A matches this weekend in memory of Mazzola. Inter play Saturday at 18:00 at the Stadio Olimpico against AS Roma; both clubs sit on twelve points after four games.
Italy top of the group for Euro 2028 with win over Turkey
With Mazzola’s death Italy closes a series of legendary players: earlier this year the country lost Gianluca Vialli, Gigi Riva and Franco Baresi, who all left an indelible mark on Italian football.