Sandro Mazzola, the Italian footballer who has died aged 83, was a supremely gifted forward who won two European Cups and four Serie A titles during 17 years with his only club, Internazionale of Milan. With Italy’s national side he won the European Championship in 1968 and played in the 4-1 defeat by Pelé’s Brazil in the final of the 1970 World Cup.
Early Life and Family Tragedy
He was six years old when his father, Valentino Mazzola, the captain of an invincible Torino team and of Italy, died aged 30, along with the rest of the team, when their chartered plane, returning in bad weather from a friendly fixture in Lisbon in May 1949, crashed into the Superga hill overlooking Turin, killing everyone on board. The demise of Il Grande Torino, as they were known, traumatized the nation.
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Rise to Prominence with Inter Milan
When Sandro emerged from that tragedy to win his first European Cup in 1964, defeating the five-times champions Real Madrid 3-1 in the final, he scored two of Internazionale’s goals. In a recent interview he recalled that afterwards the veteran Argentinian forward Alfredo Di Stefano, the greatest of Madrid’s stars, gave him his shirt while telling him: “You are worthy of your father.”
A year later, during a visit by the Internazionale squad to the famous Capuchin friar Padre Pio at the monastery of San Giovanni Rotondo in south-east Italy, Mazzola stayed behind for a personal audience with the priest. He asked for an absolution.
Key Achievements
- Two European Cups with Inter Milan (1964, 1965)
- Four Serie A titles with Inter Milan
- European Championship with Italy in 1968
- World Cup finalist in 1970
Career Statistics
| Club/Country | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inter Milan | 1960–1977 | 417 | 116 |
| Italy | 1963–1974 | 63 | 22 |
Legacy and Later Life
After retiring as a player, Mazzola became a respected football pundit and commentator in Italy. He remained closely associated with Inter Milan throughout his life, often attending matches and events. His story of overcoming personal tragedy to achieve greatness continues to inspire football fans worldwide.
FAQ
Who was Sandro Mazzola?
Sandro Mazzola was an Italian footballer who played as a forward for Inter Milan and the Italy national team. He won two European Cups and four Serie A titles with Inter, and the European Championship with Italy in 1968.
How did Sandro Mazzola's father die?
His father, Valentino Mazzola, died in the Superga air disaster in 1949 when the plane carrying the Torino team crashed into a hill near Turin, killing all on board.
What did Sandro Mazzola achieve in his career?
He won two European Cups (1964, 1965) and four Serie A titles with Inter Milan, and the European Championship with Italy in 1968. He also played in the 1970 World Cup final.
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