Former Inter owner Massimo Moratti has said that it was Peppino Prisco who persuaded him to buy the club back, according to a report in the Italian media today.
As has been reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, a series of prominent figures in Italian football have shared some of their favourite memories and anecdotes about the late Peppino Prisco, former vice-chairman of Inter for many years.
Massimo Moratti explained that Peppino Prisco had images of Inter everywhere in his home and seemed more interested in talking about football than his own military honours.
“Among other things, it was he who pushed me to buy back the club. But I would like to underline the depth of the man by recalling an invitation to dinner at his home.
“Images of Inter were everywhere, while only in a corner the recognitions he had as an officer of the Alpini, capable of returning from Russia with a contingent, albeit very small, of the soldiers entrusted to him.
“I pointed out that that medal for military valour and those solemn commendations had to be placed in full view, but he immediately shifted the discussion to football. It is an aspect that impressed me then and that continues to impress me today.”
Former Inter forward Roberto Boninsegna also told an anecdote exhibiting how much Peppino Crispo disliked AC Milan.
“Once we had won a very important match 1-0 and Peppino was standing in the corner, not celebrating with us. ‘Why?’ I asked him. ‘It’s not the right day to celebrate. Milan lost only 4-0’.”
In a similar vein, Ernesto Pellegrini told the story of Peppino Prisco choosing to sit on some red and black chairs at the doctors.
“If I have to choose a memory, I like to remember that time he went to the ophthalmologist for a visit. He went in and first saw the Rossoneri chairs at the entrance and remained standing.
“Then after a while he asked the doctor: ‘Excuse me, but why do you have the Rossoneri chairs?’ ‘I’m a Milan fan’, she replied. He didn’t flinch and decided to sit down. Then after a while he said again to the doctor: ‘Do you know what I’m saying? Basically, I like them: they are very comfortable for my ass.”
Finally, Adriano Galliani shared a powerful quote from the former vice-chairman about the philosophy of Inter.
“Unforgettable that time in Arcore with me and Berlusconi to remember the origins of Inter. ‘Inter is the demonstration that even if you are born from humble origins, you can become great in life.’ He is elegant and intelligent.”
