Javier Zanetti, the Argentine soccer sensation, was like a human Rubik's Cube on the field – shifting positions faster than a squirrel on espresso. With Inter Milan from '95 to 2014, he collected trophies like they were candy on Halloween, including the epic treble in 2009-2010. And for Argentina, he racked up 145 caps, more than I've had cups of coffee in a month! Post-retirement, Inter promoted him to vice president, and he's also a FIFA darling for his charity work. Zanetti: soccer star, social hero, and the ultimate multitasker!
Witness the epic saga of AC Milan's dynamos, Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini!
For 13 legendary years (1984-1997), these defensive marvels captained the squad to glory, seizing three Champions League crowns and five Serie A titles, among countless other accolades.
In a move befitting their unmatched legacy, AC Milan retired their jersey numbers: Baresi's iconic number 6 and Maldini's revered number 3. A tribute to their eternal greatness, etched in footballing lore forever!
Real Madrid and Manchester City in the Champions League provided some funny moments, from Bernardo Silva's penalty against Andriy Lunin to Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola's tactics and finally the clash between Antonio Rüdiger and Erling Haaland
In the wild world of football, where rivalries run deep and tempers flare hotter than a summer barbecue, the clash between Germany and the Netherlands at the 1990 World Cup was more dramatic than a soap opera marathon. Picture this: two powerhouse teams, one spitting incident, and enough drama to make Shakespeare blush.
In the midst of this soccer spectacle, Dutch dynamo Frank Rijkaard decided to add his own special ingredient to the mix by giving German striker Rudi Völler a surprise shower of saliva. Talk about adding some extra flavor to the game!
But wait, there's more! The referee, probably thinking he stumbled onto the set of a reality TV show, promptly showed both players the red card, sending them off like disgraced contestants.
Fast forward a few months, and Rijkaard, feeling more sheepish than a lamb caught in the rain, apologized to Völler, blaming his momentary lapse of reason on relationship drama. And just like that, the feud went from fiery to funny faster than you can say "goal!"
In a stroke of marketing genius, the two rivals buried the hatchet (and probably a few tubs of butter) by starring in a commercial together, proving that sometimes all it takes to smooth things over is a good laugh and a stick of butter. Who knew football could be so deliciously entertaining?
Following Jurgen Klopp's declaration of his departure from Liverpool at the season's close, the club's ambiance shifted towards aspirations of clinching the quadruple - comprising The Premier League, the Europa League, the FA Cup, and the League Cup. Yet, is there a possibility that these aspirations might dissipate by the season's end?
Once again, a Romaplayer has been voted by our community as the best Serie A player of the month. Congratulations to Lorenzo Pellegrini for winning with an impressive 49% of the total votes!
Several great managers taught Xabi Alonso football tactics from his father Periko Alonso to Rafael Benítez, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola
Inter Milan vs Juventus in 1997-1998 was very controversial
A heated match between Juventus and Inter Milan during the 1997-98 season left not only football fans, but also politicians, in uproar.
Tensions ran high after Juventus was denied a penalty, leading to a 0-0 draw and a subsequent 1-0 victory for Inter Milan. However, the controversy reached its peak during the match when referee Piero Ceccarini opted not to award a penalty for a foul committed by Juventus' Mark Iuliano on Inter forward Ronaldo.
Adding fuel to the fire, Juventus, leading 1-0 at the time, was eventually granted a penalty just moments later. However, Alessandro Del Piero failed to convert it. Despite this, Juventus clinched the game with a 1-0 victory, securing the scudetto with a five-point lead.
The aftermath of the match spilled into the political arena, causing a stir in the Italian parliament. During a publicly broadcast "question time" session in April 1998, Domenico Gramazio of the National Alliance erupted, reportedly shouting "They are all thieves!" at Massimo Mauro, a fellow politician and former Juventus player representing the ruling Democrats of the Left.
The spectacle prompted outrage from Walter Veltroni, then-Deputy Prime Minister, who denounced the behavior as "unworthy, embarrassing, and grotesque." The session had to be abruptly suspended, and repercussions followed for several politicians involved.
The incident highlighted the deep intertwining of football and politics in Italian society, where the passion for the sport often spills over into other aspects of public life, sometimes with tumultuous consequences.
