Inter Milan: a 45-Year Wait Ends With Historic Treble

PAZZA INTER
Lo sai per un gol
io darei la vita… la mia vita
Che in fondo lo so
sarà una partita… infinita
E’ un sogno che ho
è un coro che sale… a sognare
Su e giù dalla Nord
novanta minuti… per segnare
Nerazzurri
noi saremo qui
Nerazzurri
pazzi como te
Nerazzurri
Non fateci soffrire
ma va bene… vinceremo insieme
Amala!
Pazza Inter amala!

Inter Milan, a team known and ridiculed for their abilities to lose in a million different ways was yesterday crowned champions of Europe.

On May 22nd Il Capitano, Javier Zanetti, lifted the Champions League trophy towards the star-studded Madrid sky after 15 years of faithful service to the club as the Nerazzurri became the first Italian side in history to record the historic treble.

The trophy not only concluded a 45 year long wait, but also allowed Inter patron Massimo Moratti to surpass his father, Angelo Massimo’s triumphant “La Grande Inter” era to record the season of 2009/2010 as the most successful in the history of the club.

However, none of it would have been possible without the devotion of one José “The Special One” Mourinho. The Portuguese mastermind made history in Madrid by becoming the third coach to win the tournament with two different clubs. It wasn’t just about building a successful side able to fight on several fronts simultaneously; it was about implementing that missing self-belief which had plagued the side for so long.

Having spent a decade of his career playing for medium big clubs, late bloomer Diego Milito went for the ultimate jackpot. With decisive goals against Roma in the Coppa Italia, Siena in the final round of the league as well as his sublime brace against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, the Argentinean ace has been essential to his side’s triumphant season.

After the rather unconvincing group stage performances, few believed the Nerazzurri to make it past the final 16. However, the (unexpected ) disposal of Chelsea showcased the side’s potential. The victories against CSKA Moscow displayed belief. The discarding of reigning champions Barcelona proved determination. The 2-0 victory in the final against the Bavarians demonstrated conviction.

It was an evening when absolutely everything went according to script.

El Capitano crowned his 700th outing by winning Europe’s elite club competition. “El Principe” was the deciding factor in his first season of the tournament. Wesley Sneijder returned to Madrid and left his former ground as a winner. Samuel Eto’o got to taunt Real Madrid one more time. Lucio helped disposing of his former employers. And Mourinho, well, the Inter tactician just bagged another personal challenge.

Media is rife with speculation regarding the Special One’s future. Considering Mourinho’s recent statements it’s incredibly likely that he’s going to stick around the Santiago Bernabeú for a while longer.

That, however, doesn’t really matter. He accomplished what he set out to do. He delivered the Champions League trophy to Moratti and his beloved club by convincing “Pazza Inter” that they deserved more —and they believed him.

The treble is recorded. History is written. Inter’s 45-year wait is finally over.