Latest news with #Materazzi
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Inter Milan star reduced to tears after heartwarming Mourinho moment
Inter Milan ruled Europe in 2010 as Jose Mourinho led them to Champions League glory but his exit was imminent, which led to an emotional embrace with Marco Materazzi When Inter Milan last conquered Europe in 2010 it was Jose Mourinho at the helm. He enjoyed a historic night in the Bernabeu, knowing it would soon become his home as he masterminded a glorious swansong. His demeanour at full-time was one of a man looking forward, preparing for his next challenge. He had downed the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona en route to the final, with Bayern Munich the final victim as Inter claimed the treble and their first European Cup since the 1960s. They became the first Italian side to scoop all three trophies major trophies available to them in a season, yet they began the game without an Italian in their starting XI. A side assembled of world stars from the likes Brazil, Argentina, Cameroon and the Netherlands had proved the perfect mix. One of the only Italians sat on the bench. Their World Cup winner. One Marco Materazzi, who later that night would become part of one of the most wholesome moments in modern day football. An authentic embrace with Mourinho outside the stadium. Without any official communication both Mourinho and his Inter players knew this was the end and he was moving on. The ex-Chelsea boss had agreed verbally to join Real, but refused to sign any contract. He admitted that he didn't go back to Milan with the team because he knew the emotion would lead him to staying with Inter - and he was man in demand. The Special One, then at the peak of his powers, was about to drive away but stopped the car and walked up to the the defender, hugging him. When Mourinho turned around he was balling his eyes out. Overcome with emotion as the next chapter loomed. Materazzi was equally as tearful. 'That moment with Materazzi… it was powerful,' Mourinho has said. 'I don't care about the trophies and medals I care about what's in my heart. And also what's in the hearts of the people at the clubs, and what they think of me. That's what stays with you.' He would later remark: "When I had these last words with Materazzi, it was like I was hugging every player." Matterazzi has admitted that the Portuguese coach, known for his personal touch, had taken an interest in him and his life like no manager before. The defender said: "Mourinho was special, he knew the names of all our children and our wives. Nobody else had ever done that for me. For me, it was not a big surprise, but for my wife, when he met her and said 'Hello Daniela', it was." Mourinho has confessed that he "ran away" from his Inter players in the aftermath of their European triumph. He would stick to his guns and leave the Italian side, making a new home from himself at Real as he looked to prove himself in Spain. He inevitably did. Now the latest Inter side has another chance to emulate that class of 2010 at the second time of asking. They lost the final to Manchester City two years ago as the English side completed the treble in Istanbul. Like Mourinho's team, Simone Inzaghi and co have beaten Barcelona in the last four. They've also knocked off Bayern en route to playing PSG at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Italy FIFA World Cup Winner Argues Inter Milan Vs Napoli Serie A Title Run-In ‘Comes Down To A Matter Of Nerves'
Italy FIFA World Cup Winner Argues Inter Milan Vs Napoli Serie A Title Run-In 'Comes Down To A Matter Of Nerves' Marco Materazzi believes the Serie A title race between Inter Milan and Napoli will come down to 'a matter of nerves.' The former defender gave his thoughts in an interview in today's print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. Advertisement There are now just two matches to go in the Serie A title race. Inter Milan and Napoli are separated by just a single point at the top of the table. Therefore, it is clear that the title race is still far from over. The Partenopei undoubtedly have the advantage. If they win both their matches, against Parma and Cagliari, they will win the title no matter what Inter do. However, those are going to be tricky matches. As are the Nerazzurri's final two league outings against the likes of Lazio and Como. Therefore, it will go down to the wire, without question. And the question of momentum could prove to be crucial. Particularly considering that Napoli dropped points against Genoa last weekend. Advertisement Inter, on the other hand, are riding high on reaching the Champions League final. Materazzi: 'Inter Milan Vs Napoli Serie A Title Race A Matter Of Nerves' ROME – MAY 05: Marco Materazzi of Inter Milan celebrates during the Tim Cup final between FC Internazionale Milano and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on May 5, 2010 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by) Former Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi argued that 'with the table looking like this, with two matches to go, there's only one thing you can say for certain.' 'That's that anything good that comes for Inter, namely the Scudetto, would be like manna from Heaven.' 'I believe it can happen,' Materazzi continued. 'And obviously I hope for it.' 'But it's hard to say how this beautiful two-team race will end,' the former defender went on. 'Particularly because it will come down to a matter of nerves above all.' Advertisement 'Which is never something you can 'read' from the outside.' 'For once I won't go out on a limb,' said Materazzi. 'Even though I'm quite used to doing so.' 'But actually, there's one other thing I'm certain of: If Napoli happen to slip up, and Inter win the Scudetto, it will be an immeasurable boost for them in the Champions League final.'
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Inter Milan icon opines on UCL semi-final tie vs Barcelona – ‘Bayern scared me more'
Inter Milan icon opines on UCL semi-final tie vs Barcelona – 'Bayern scared me more' Marco Materazzi, a legendary figure at Inter Milan, has declared his confidence in the Italian side's chances of overcoming Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. The two teams will square off in the final four of the competition, with the first leg set to be played at Montjuic on April 30 and the reverse fixture in San Siro on May 6. Advertisement Barcelona have been brilliant in the Champions League thus far but Inter Milan have the tools necessary to pose a major problem for Hansi Flick's men. In fact, Materazzi believes that Bayern Munich, whom the Nerazzurr eliminated in the quarter-finals, posed a bigger threat than Barça and that Simone Inzaghi's men are the favourites for the semi0final tie. Speaking on the YouTube channel Viva el fútbol (h/t SPORT) the former Italian international made no secret of his position, saying: 'I have said it before and I will say it again. Bayern scared me more than Barça in these semi-finals. The Germans were more prepared than Barcelona to hurt us because of their playing style.' Materazzi confident Inter can beat Barcelona. (Photo by) Materazzi dismissed the threat posed by Barcelona's young squad and insisted that Inter remain strong favourites. Advertisement 'Barcelona scored four goals against everyone; they are a young and very respectable team, but personally I saw the Germans as more capable of creating problems for Inter,' he said. 'Inter fought until the 96th minute. Now they have a decisive match against Bologna and not much time to recover.' Materazzi also praised manager Simone Inzaghi for his preparation and focus, expressing faith that Inter are ready to knock out Barcelona. 'I see Inter as mature and prepared. These are the decisive matches. They made some mistakes in the league, suffered too many comebacks, and could have had more breathing space to focus on the Champions League. 'But even for us in 2010, when we won everything, it was an obstacle course. We drew in Florence and many thought we had lost the league, but then Sampdoria beat Roma and we overtook them. Even without strength or energy, we pushed on towards the goal.' Former Real Madrid and Italy manager Fabio Capello also shared similar thoughts to Materazzi insisting that Inter Milan can get past Barcelona. It remains to be seen how Flick & co. fare when they come face to face against the Serie A giants.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Legendary Italy 2006 FIFA World Cup Champion Sings Praises Of Current Inter Milan Team: 'More Beautiful Than Treble-Winning Team'
Legendary Italy 2006 FIFA World Cup Champion Sings Praises Of Current Inter Milan Team: 'More Beautiful Than Treble-Winning Team' Legendary Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi waxed lyrical about the current Nerazzurri squad during his latest interview. In an interview made for the Menu di Giornata series by JustEat via FCInterNews, Materazzi confessed he nearly joined AC Milan. Advertisement Marco Materazzi spent ten years at Giuseppe Meazza. During his trophy-laden spell at Inter, he won 14 major titles, including an unprecedented treble in 2010 under Jose Mourinho. Indeed, Materazzi was part of the team that won five consecutive Serie A trophies between 2006 and 2010. Furthermore, he won the Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup before leaving the club in 2011. Known as a fierce competitor, Materazzi inspired fear among rivals and was among Europe's finest defenders. However, he nearly swapped Inter for Milan on the eve of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. 'I wasn't getting much playing time at Inter and I wanted to go to the World Cup in Germany,' he stated. Advertisement 'I didn't want to lose my spot, so I spoke to Marcello Lippi. 'He told me that even if I only played once every ten matches, he would still call me up. 'Giacinto Facchetti, who was like a father to me, told me to stay at Inter and not to go to the other side of Milan because they needed my help. 'He promised I'd play enough to make the World Cup squad. 'It wasn't easy for me because Inter fans loved me, and the other side hated me. 'But waiting for me over there was Gennaro Gattuso, who's a great friend of mine.' Inter Milan Legend Marco Materazzi Praises Current Nerazzurri Team SIENA, ITALY ? APRIL 22: Marco Materazzi celebrates after scoring one of Inter's two goals during the Italian Serie A football match between AC Siena and FC Inter Milan at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 22, 2007 in Siena, Italy. Inter Milan beat Siena 2-1 to win their 15th Italian Serie A championship title. (Photo) Simone Inzaghi could replicate Mourinho's heroics this season and bring another treble to the San Siro. Advertisement However, the road is long and treacherous, with Inter facing numerous obstacles. For instance, they must overcome runaway Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich to reach the Champions League semi-finals. Yet, as the competition's best defense, Inzaghi's charges look well-prepared for this challenge. 'Inter have already kept eight clean sheets in the Champions League, which is incredible,' Materazzi said. 'But the next round against Bayern won't be easy because the two teams are on the same level. 'And they have Harry Kane, who's aiming to win his first trophy. 'I think this Inter play better than mine, but if the two teams faced each other, we'd still beat them! Advertisement 'We may not have been the prettiest to watch, but we were strong enough to score. 'Who knows, maybe it'd end 1-0 – but definitely not 3-0.' Finally, Materazzi compared himself to Virgil van Dijk and Alessandro Nesta. While acknowledging the qualities of the two football greats, he believes he falls into the same category. 'I'm the one who scared people the most on the pitch – I'm great, and I hate losing.'
