Sandro Mazzola remembered after death of Inter and Italy great at 83

Sandro Mazzola's achievements for Inter Milan and Italy are revisited in a Guardian obituary published on September 24, following his death on September 19 at the age of 83. Inter announced his death, according to the Associated Press, which reported that he had experienced a long illness but that no cause of death was given.

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Mazzola spent his entire playing career at Inter, becoming a central figure in Helenio Herrera's successful side. UEFA's tribute records four Italian league championships, two European Cups and two Intercontinental Cups among his honours. After retiring in 1977, he moved into executive roles at Inter and elsewhere.

His contribution to Inter's first European Cup remains a defining part of that record. UEFA's account of the 1964 final confirms that Mazzola scored twice in a 3-1 victory over Real Madrid in Vienna. He opened the scoring in the 43rd minute and added Inter's third in the 76th. Aurelio Milani scored between those goals, while Felo supplied Madrid's response.

That final completed a campaign in which Inter had eliminated Everton, Monaco, Partizan and Borussia Dortmund. UEFA's historical review describes a team built around defenders Armando Picchi and Giacinto Facchetti, with Luis Suárez, Jair and Mazzola providing attacking talent. The victory brought the club its first European crown, with Mazzola delivering two of the goals that settled the final against Madrid.

For Italy, Mazzola scored 22 times in 70 appearances and helped win the 1968 European Championship before reaching the World Cup final two years later, UEFA confirmed. His family was already part of Italian football history: his father, Torino captain Valentino Mazzola, died in the Superga air disaster in 1949. Sandro subsequently established his own international and club career at Inter.

Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti also paid tribute, with UEFA reporting his gratitude for Mazzola's role in bringing him from Argentina to Milan. Zanetti remembered him as a source of guidance and an example both as a footballer and away from the pitch, acknowledging an influence that extended beyond Mazzola's own years as a player.