“Inter Calling” with Ventola and Kallon

MILAN – Nicola Ventola and Mohamed Kallon created one of the most prolific attacking duos in the new millennium. The pair who came together in Cuper’s Inter in 2001 and formed a great relationship on the pitch were the protagonists of the most recent episode of ‘Inter Calling’.

Nicola Ventola started by recounting the incredible start to the 1998/99 season and his return in 2001:

“My league debut with Inter was against Cagliari in the 1998/99 season. Andrea Pirlo and I had just joined, Kallon was playing for Cagliari at the time and scored, then I replied with my first ever Nerazzurri brace. I was doing well at that time so I had a lot of options, but I chose Inter because Ronaldo was there, as were Baggio and Pirlo so I realised this could be a team for the future. It wasn’t easy that year, we had a great group and there was a lot of competition up front, but I got off to a good start with five goals in the first few games and then what happened afterwards, even going out on loan helped me improve and come back even stronger in 2001/02. I always tried to take something from everyone I came across. Kallon was a great player, he and I were able to replace two brilliant players and we gave our all, sacrificing ourselves especially in the defensive phases where Cuper asked a lot of us.”

Kallon’s journey was also incredible: “At the beginning I was too young and I wanted to play, so it was good to go out and gain experience at five teams before returning to Inter when I was ready. I still remember the friendly against Watford in Lecco, that’s where I had the chance to get into the team. That was an extraordinary season, no one would’ve thought that Nick and I could’ve played 15/20 games as starters because we had El Fenomeno Ronaldo and other top players like Vieri. But we got the chance to play for Inter several times and I’m proud of that, especially because we made the most of the opportunity.”

Ventola had many unforgettable moments: “I remember my debut in the 1998/99 season, and also the goals in the Champions League against Spartak Moscow and Manchester United. In that match against Spartak Moscow, Ronaldo turned to me and said, “let’s do that thing from training”, I replied, “are you crazy?” and then he backheeled it to me and I struck it: it was one of the best feelings ever. The goal against Manchester United was also incredible, the stadium was packed and the roar was deafening. Manchester United were a great side and that goal gave hope, had Zé Elias’ shot gone in we could’ve dreamed a little more, but we passed up some great chances at home. When I returned in the year I played with Kallon I felt strongly about the UEFA Cup because I thought I was a key player in it. Therefore, the goal in Valencia was unreal, I also remember Farinos going in goal and the match against AEK Athens.”

His shirt number and goal against Atalanta were some of the things Kallon discussed: “When I arrived at Inter Seedorf, Ronaldo and Vieri were there so it was impossible to choose the number I wanted, so I looked for one that was free, saw no.3 and took it. I wore the no.2 at Reggina, because Pirlo was there wearing 10, and in truth when I got to Inter I would’ve been happy even if they’d given me 100: I was just excited to wear that shirt and play for that team. My goal against Atalanta is one I remember fondly, in the 1-0 win at San Siro: I didn’t know what to do, because I didn’t expect it but the ball ended up in the top corner and I enjoyed it.”