2 May 1971: The Nerazzurri won their eleventh Scudetto 50 years ago today

There are some achievements that remain in the memory for the final joy they bring, and some achievements that become even more significant for the journey taken to get there.

Exactly 50 years ago, Inter raised their eleventh Scudetto to the sky, at the end of a comeback that was taken game by game. The journey to get there was not without difficulty, and included a change in the dugout, and the unity of a team determined to leave nothing behind to arrive straight at its objective.

The championship began with Heriberto Herrera in the dugout, and with two draws and three defeats in the first five games, the one in the derby led to his sacking and the instalment of Giovanni Invernizzi, joining the first team from the Primavera. In his first official match, the team combined a mix of young players and great Inter champions, from Burgnich to Facchetti, from Jair to Mazzola and Corso, beating Torino thanks to a brace from Boninsegna, who in his second season at Inter became one of the key men of the Nerazzurri Scudetto thanks to his 24 goals in 28 matches, consecrating him as the tournament’s top scorer. On that day, he scored a goal from a penalty and a header from Corso's perfect assist.

After victory on his debut, defeat came at Napoli on 22 November 1970: it would be the last of that season. From here began a streak of positive results that would end only 23 matchdays later, at the end of the season. In the midst of key challenges for the team was a new awareness and adaptation to the tactical set-up, with important performances from players such as Bedin in midfield or Bellugi at full-back paired with Facchetti, the most used player with 30 league appearances. Among the positive results was a 2-0 victory against Juventus with goals from Corso and Boninsegna in the first round, and the success in the #DerbyMilano in the second round thanks to goals by Corso and Mazzola, and the win over Napoli, again with a brace from Boninsegna, but also the match in which we overtook Catania where Gabriele Oriali took to the field after his debut with Roma.

A journey without blemishes that ended on 2 May 1971 with a perfect match to cross the finish line and conquer the Scudetto. Five goals, a climax and a parade of goals against Foggia, including a fantastic goal to open the game: The pass from Facchetti, was converted brilliantly by Boninsegna. Then Jair got on the scoresheet, a protagonist with a brace, with Facchetti and Mazzola getting the other goals.

INTER, A TIMELESS ICON - THE BOOK ABOUT INTER

Looking for anecdotes and photos on Inter history, like the wonderful 1971 Scudetto? In "Inter, A Timeless Icon", the new book published by Marsilio, out on May 6, you will find extraordinary photos, stories and curiosities about the entire history of Inter. Passing through that season of glory too, we proceed on a journey that from 1908 arrives at the present day, with all the facets of our club told in a fresh and modern way.

Inter, A Timeless IconMarsilio  Text by Carlo Canavesi, Andrea Paventi With a contribution from Gianfelice Facchetti

Released on 6 MayOrder yours online or in bookstores!