Inter stirred by memories of '65

The weight of history hangs on FC Internazionale Milano as they mark their centenary. Few clubs can match the Nerazzurri's rich heritage. Two European Champion Clubs' Cups, 15 Scudettos, three UEFA Cups and countless other trophies illuminate a glorious past.

European goal
Since completing their quest to reclaim the Scudetto in 2007, they have dominated Serie A like few sides before them. And still it is not enough. While Inter hold sway on home soil, their great rivals AC Milan compete on a larger playing field. Europe is the Rossoneri's battleground. Since Inter last won the European Cup in 1965, Milan have triumphed six times. As Inter celebrate reaching 100 on Saturday they are desperate to right the balance. 

Liverpool vanquished
The 2-0 away defeat by Liverpool FC in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie has threatened to spoil the party. History, though, gives Roberto Mancini's team hope. The last time Inter lifted the continent's most coveted prize, 43 years ago, they had lost the first leg of their semi-final 3-1 at Anfield, but advanced thanks to a stirring 3-0 second-leg victory at San Siro.

'History repeating'
The return game this year will be played on 11 March, three days after Inter's birthday bash, and coach Mancini is intent on delivering a similar outcome. "It does seem like a coincidence, but perhaps history is repeating itself," he said. "We need three goals to qualify and clearly this side is capable of it. Liverpool did not create much in the first leg, but kept us under pressure. Unfortunately the last five minutes proved decisive. But I still think we can do it."

'Legendary match'
Mario Corso, Peirò and former Inter president Giacinto Facchetti, who died in 2006, scored the goals for Inter in the famous comeback. "Facchetti told me many times about those legendary matches against Liverpool in 1965 and, for me, it was a great privilege to listen to him," Inter captain Javier Zanetti said before the first leg at Anfield. "Many years have gone by, but these kind of matches are still very difficult and beautiful. "

'Great comeback'
Former Inter midfielder Corso, in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, joked: "I think this Inter team lost on purpose in the first leg just to emulate our great comeback. We needed an early goal and I scored after eight minutes with a trademark free-kick. All our fans believed we could do it, there was an incredible atmosphere at the San Siro. This Inter side need everyone to believe in the comeback as well. The team have the potential to cancel the defeat at Anfield."

'Nice memory'
Inter president Massimo Moratti, who is preparing a series of events for the centenary, remembers the tie in 1965 when his father Angelo was club president and Helenio Herrera coach. "It's a really nice memory," he said. "I went with my father to watch the first leg. We took a flight to London and then another one to Liverpool.

'We will qualify'
"It was very strange for me to see English people using planes as we were still on buses more than 40 years ago. Their great fans ensured there was an incredible atmosphere at Anfield and we struggled. The return leg, however, was one of the best games in our history. I remember Herrera saying 'We will qualify' in the changing room after the game at Anfield. Mancini's words had more or less the same sense after the first leg."

'Help'

'Right mentality'
"Our season would still be good if we only win the Scudetto but I think our Champions League campaign can continue. We have the right coach, the right players, the right team mentality. We have everything to make it. Everyone must give even more than they have already, but these players can do it." Before kick-off against Reggina Calcio on Saturday, 200 former Inter players from every era will parade around the pitch as part of the celebrations. Their legendary predecessors have shown the way – Mancini's charges must now follow the example.