Internazionale Milano, commonly known as Inter Milan, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy. Founded in 1908, Inter boasts a rich history and is one of the most successful clubs in Italian football, being the only Italian team never to have been relegated from Serie A.
The club’s birth was rooted in a schism within the Milan Cricket and Football Club (now AC Milan) regarding the acceptance of foreign players. Dissatisfied with the local-only policy, a group of dissenters, motivated by a desire for “internationality,” formed Football Club Internazionale, hence the name. This open-door policy toward international talent became a defining characteristic of the club throughout its history.
Inter’s iconic black and blue stripes (Nerazzurri) are instantly recognizable. The club plays its home matches at the San Siro stadium, officially named Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, which they share with AC Milan. The stadium itself is a monument to Italian football history, and matches between Inter and Milan, known as the Derby della Madonnina, are among the most fiercely contested and passionately followed derbies in the world.
Internazionale’s trophy cabinet is overflowing. They have won the Serie A title 19 times, placing them second only to Juventus in the number of league championships. They have also lifted the Coppa Italia nine times and the Supercoppa Italiana eight times. On the European stage, Inter has secured three Champions League titles (formerly European Cup), three UEFA Cups (now Europa League), and two Intercontinental Cups.
The “Grande Inter” era of the 1960s, under manager Helenio Herrera, is considered one of the greatest periods in the club’s history. Led by legendary players like Sandro Mazzola, Giacinto Facchetti, and Luis Suárez, Inter dominated Italian and European football, winning back-to-back European Cups in 1964 and 1965. Another memorable period was the 2009-2010 season under José Mourinho, when Inter achieved an unprecedented treble, winning Serie A, Coppa Italia, and the Champions League.
While Inter has experienced periods of both triumph and struggle, the club has consistently attracted world-class players and managers. Throughout the years, iconic figures like Ronaldo, Javier Zanetti, Lothar Matthäus, and Christian Vieri have donned the Nerazzurri jersey, contributing to the club’s enduring legacy. Javier Zanetti, in particular, stands as a symbol of Inter’s unwavering spirit and dedication, having played for the club for 19 seasons and captaining the team for many years.
Inter Milan continues to be a force in Italian and European football. With a passionate fanbase and a commitment to excellence, the Nerazzurri strive to build on their storied history and compete for titles at the highest level.