Boninsegna turns 80: "Inter, always my dream"
Legends
— Nov 13th 2023Goals, triumphs and everlasting passion: as he celebrates his 80th birthday, the legendary Inter forward looks back at his Nerazzurri story
"Credo nelle rovesciate di Bonimba" (“I believe in Bonimba’s bicycle kicks”) said Stefano Accorsi in one of the most famous scenes of Radiofreccia, a 1998 film directed by Luciano Ligabue, a big Nerazzurri fan. Roberto Boninsegna was and remains one of the brightest stars in Inter’s wonderful history. A striker born to score goals, the Nerazzurri colours were in his destiny from the moment he was born: 13 November 1943, exactly 80 years ago.
On the day he turns 80, Boninsegna’s bond with Inter remains as strong as ever. For Bonimba, it all started as a youngster when he used to go to San Siro to watch a Nerazzurri side containing Nyers, Skoglund and Lorenzi.
“I played for Sant'Egidio and, under my shirt, I always used to have a Nerazzurri top. My mum, who was a knitter, had made it for me. At first, it was a bit different because it was blue on the front and black on the back, so I told her that stripes were needed. However, she said it’d take too long to make. Then, she understood what I wanted, and I always played with the Inter jersey under my Sant'Egidio shirt. I supported Inter because they had Nyers, Skoglund and Lorenzi, all of whom I met when I became part of the youth sector. We always played on Sunday morning, after which I’d go to San Siro in the afternoon to watch this trio instead of heading back to Mantua. ”
After joining the Inter youth sector at the age of 14, he returned to the Club to play for the first team in 1969 and went on to become the third-highest goalscorer in Nerazzurri history. Indeed, he bagged 171 goals in 281 matches, winning the 1970/71 Scudetto as Inter overturned AC Milan’s lead at the top in extraordinary style. Bonimba was an inspirational figure that campaign, netting 24 times and finishing top of the Serie A goalscoring charts. He repeated this feat in 1971/72 with a tally of 22 and would have done so for a third time in 1973/74 had a goal against Cesena not been given as an own goal by Ceccarelli.
A powerful player blessed with great technique and a fantastic left foot, Boninsegna, always so ruthless in front of goal, was a complete centre-forward and a point of reference for his teammates. He was fantastic at attacking in behind and an unstoppable force for opposition defenders. Destined to score goals, destined for Inter: an incredible connection that continued even after his Nerazzurri adventure came to an end in 1976.
“My goal against Foggia was one of the most spectacular I ever scored. I remember Facchetti sending in a cross from the left and I initially wanted to get my head on it, but then the ball swerved in a different direction and I went for the bicycle kick. I caught it well and it flew into the top corner, after which I heard San Siro explode. Scoring a goal like that… and we won the Scudetto that day, too.”
80 wonderful years full of unforgettable moments, stories and memories, all of which are etched in Boninsegna’s memory and heart. On this special day, the legendary Nerazzurri forward wanted to give a gift to the Inter fans: in an exclusive interview full of interesting titbits, he looked back at his playing career. It’s for all those who believe in Bonimba’s bicycle kicks, for all those who have always believed in them and will forever do so.
The very best wishes to Roberto Boninsegna on his 80th birthday from FC Internazionale Milano and all Nerazzurri fans!
BONUS TRACK
The surprises aren’t over yet: Bonimba commented on some of his most spectacular goals, giving us his thoughts with his usual irony.