55 years ago, Inter's second Intercontinental Cup
Legends
— Sep 15th 202015 September 1965, the Nerazzurri crowned Champions of the World for a second time
«L'arbitro fischia in questo momento la fine, il signor Yamasaki, peruviano, e decreta l'Inter, per la seconda volta, Campione del Mondo. Ripetiamo, è stata una serata memorabile. Sugli scudi l'intera difesa, a cominciare da Sarti, per passare da Burgnich a Facchetti, a Guarneri a Bedin, al valorosissimo capitano Picchi. Nel mezzo della difesa ha agito sempre Corso, con Suarez. Davanti sono stati Jair, Mazzola e Peirò a fare da distruttori».
The words of Nicolò Carosio summed up, like a poem, one of the most important nights in this Club’s history. It was 15 September 1965 at the Estadio La Doble Visiera in Avellanedo, Argentina. For the second year running, Helenio Herrera’s Inter stood on top of the world. It was done after a hard-fought goalless draw against Independiente, the very same side that they beaten the year before. In 1964, a replay was required in Madrid to decide the winner; in the 110th minute, Corso scored to give Inter their first Intercontinental Cup triumph.
In 1965, Inter went to Independiente’s home ground after a strong performance in the 3-0 win at San Siro. It was a perfect game, made unforgettable thanks to goals from Mazzola, one with his head and one from a bicycle kick, and Peirò’s opener.
Inter received the usual fiery welcome that teams get in Argentina. Objects were thrown from the stands - players and coach Herrera were hit. Sarti, who from start to finish was the best player on the pitch, made some outstanding saves in the dying moments of the game. For the entire match, the Inter shot-stopper was bombarded with abuse from the home fans, who threw all sorts of things in his direction.
But Inter did not shy away; Independiente attacked but broke on the Nerazzurri wall at the back. A shot that hit the crossbar at the end of the game killed off any hopes the Argentineans had. For the second consecutive year, Inter were crowned world champions as captain Picchi lofted the Intercontinental Cup high into the air.