Inter on top of the world 10 years ago | 10 things to remember

It wasn’t exactly reminiscent of the epic Intercontinental Cup win in Avellaneda against Independiente 55 years prior, but there was a world title to be won nonetheless, in an exciting new arena in Abu Dhabi. It was Inter’s very first official meeting with a club from the African continent. What transpired was a magical night for Inter, who were crowned champions of the world for a third time and capped off a brilliant 2010, winning their fifth title of that calendar year - after the Coppa Italia, Scudetto, Champions League and Supercoppa Italiana. The Nerazzurri won the Club World Cup for the first time in their history with goals from Pandev, Eto’o and Biabiany. Zanetti lifting the trophy, what amazing memories!

1. The semi-final against Seongnam

Until 2004, the Intercontinental Cup was contested by the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the Copa Libertadores. 2005 saw the introduction of the FIFA Club World Cup, an expanded tournament, in which the champions of continental trophies in North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania would take part. Furthermore, it was decreed in 2007 that the winner of the national title in the host nation would also take part.

Inter played against South Korean side Seongnam in the semi-final, who, on 15 December, they beat 3-0 with goals from Stankovic, Zanetti and Milito. Sneijder picked up an injury at the start of the game and was forced to miss the final.

2. A first for an African side

The surprise package of the tournament were Congolese side Tout Puissant Mazembe from Lubumbashi. They had won the CAF Champions League and did terrifically at the Club World Cup. In the second round, they beat Mexican outfit Pachuca by a goal to nil and saw off Internacional de Porto Alegre (2-0) in the semi-final, earning a place in the final to take on the Nerazzurri, becoming the first African side to reach this stage of the competition.

3. Abu Dhabi, an unprecedented venue

Inter had visited Avellaneda and Madrid to be crowned world champions. The first time was at the Bernabeu on 26 September 1964 against Independiente: a 1-0 loss at Avellaneda, 2-0 win at San Siro and a playoff win in Madrid. The following year, Inter won 3-0 at San Siro and recorded a goalless draw in Argentina. Inter crowned champions of the world for two years running.

4. The Nerazzurri on the pitch that day

Rafa Benitez chose this Xi for the game against Mazembe: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Cordoba, Chivu; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Thiago Motta; Eto'o, Pandev, Milito. The three substitutes that day: Stankovic for Chivu, Biabiany for Milito, Mariga for Thiago Motta. The details of the game.

5. Ready, set, Pandev!

Inter took the lead just 13 minutes in: Eto’o found Pandev, who beat Kidiaba - the goalkeeper who became famous all over the world for the way, in which he celebrated his teammates’ goals.

6. Eto'o, goal and that celebration alongside Materazzi

The ball hit the back of the net and the Cameroonian sped off towards the dugout, where Marco Materazzi was waiting for him. Materazzi handed him to white shopping bags and Eto’o began to dance with them, while being lauded by our number 23. An in-joke that is now world famous.

7. Biabiany’s first Inter goal

A 22-year-old Biabiany, who came through the ranks of the Nerazzurri’s youth set-up, capped off a brilliant night for Inter. His first goal for the Club came on the biggest of stages, which took the Nerazzurri back to the top of the world.

8. Lifting the cup, Zanetti with Walter Samuel’s shirt

Joy, party, triumph. Javier Zanetti lifted Inter’s fifth trophy that year, and do so wearing a shirt with Walter Samuel on the back, who was out with a serious knee injury. “No Italian team has ever done what Inter have done in 2010 and every Inter fan should be proud of this team. We’re only missing Walter Samuel, to whom we dedicate tonight’s victory,” said the Inter captain.

9. The fifth title in 2020

The dates to remember from that incredible year became 5:

- 5 May 2010: Coppa Italia - 16 May 2010: Scudetto - 22 May 2010: Champions League - 21 August 2010: Supercoppa Italiana - 18 December 2010: Club World Cup

10. Celebration at San Siro with the trophy

On 6 January 2011 at San Siro, ahead of Inter vs. Napoli (which the Nerazzurri won 3-1), the five trophies won in 2010 were shown off on the pitch.