Legendary former Inter captain and current club vice-president Javier Zanetti has recalled his goal against Lazio in the 1997/98 UEFA Cup final.
“There is a scream: ‘Leave it’. Then a dull, perfect noise, boot against the ball, the whistling, the thud of the leather on the crossbar,” he explained in an interview with Inter’s official matchday programme for Inter’s Europa League clash against Getafe later on today.
“Whoever is at the stadium does not understand these details, overwhelmed by the jubilation in the stands. Those who are at home, watching on television, listen to these words: ‘Look at this right foot, a rocket.'”
He then reflected on that team as a whole and recalled some of the difficulties which they faced en route to winning the UEFA Cup that year.
“That team had a real dad in Simoni. It was a Nerazzurri family, who also went through difficult moments in Lyon and Strasbourg. Those are exactly the situations that define you, that help you to find the motivation to leap forward, with greater conviction.”
The Argentine, who spent nearly his entire playing career on Inter’s books, then went on to speak about current Inter manager Antonio Conte.
“I realised from the first lunch with the coach that the work culture and the seriousness of the boys allowed us to take this path. This is a team with a precise identity, which always tries to play the game their way.”
Zanetti concluded by sharing what he thinks is required if Inter want to go all the way and win the competition for the fourth time in their storied history.
“There is no margin for error. We have got used to playing every three days, it will take a lot of lucidity. The motivation that a European trophy gives you, that you can achieve by winning four games, can make you overcome fatigue.
“Getafe will come into the match having had two weeks to focus only on this match but let’s not back down, this Inter is ready.”
During a 19-year-old spell with Inter, Zanetti made a club record 858 appearances across all competitions to date, in which he scored 21 goals, provided 16 assists and won no shortage of silverware.
