FC Internazionale Milano Formed - 1908 Stadium - Guiseppe Meazza "San Siro"(below) Capacity: 85,700 13 Serie A Titles "Scudettos" - 1909/10 - 1919/20 - 1929/30 - 1937/38 - 1939/40 - 1952/53 - 1953/54 - 1962/63 - 1964/65 - 1965/66 - 1970/71 - 1979/80 - 1988/89 2 times European Cup winner 1963/64 - 1964/65 3 times Coppa Italia winner 1938/39 - 1977/78 - 1981/82 Twice Intercontinental Cup winner 1964 - 1965 Italian Super Cup winner 1988/89 Home Shirt...........................................Away Shirt
Francesco Toldo Born: 2nd December 1971 - Padova (Italy) Height: 196 cm Weight: 90 kg Toldo began his career, ironically at the lower ranks of AC Milan, before moving onto Hellas Verona. Never really establishing himself into the Verona side, he then moved to lower league side Trento Calcio playing as an ever present. He then impressed again at the higher ranks, playing in Serie C for US Ravenna. This form then saw him snapped up by Florence giants - Fiorentina. His time at Fiorentina was marked by consitency. His first season saw the Viola promoted and then he went on to play 8 seasons, whilst gaining a reputation as an agile shot stopper. In 2000, Toldo was called up to the International squad for Euro 2000. After an injury to regular no1 - Gianluigi Buffon, Toldo took the chance by saving 5 penalties against the Netherlands helping the Azurri to the final. Sadly Italy went on to lose to France. The following year, Toldo helped guide Fiorentina to a Cup final and was quickly signed by Milan giants Inter. In his first two seasons with the Nerazzuri, his team finished runners-up twice as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League. Interesting fact: Toldo originally played as a right back, but decided to go in goal and hasn't looked back, since the age of 13.
12 - Alberto Fontana Born: 23rd January 1967 - Cesena (Italy) Height: 185 cm Weight:73 kg The highly experienced goalkeeper has had spells throughout Serie A with Cesena, Bari, Atalanta and Napoli, before arriving at the San Siro. Fontana joined Inter at the end of his career in 2001 playing second fiddle to Toldo for most of the seasons at the club. Despite his age, Fontano made his European debut in 2001 at the ripe old age of 35. Fontana showed what a great stand in he was when he kept goal for Inter in a UEFA cup tie at Marseille. His displays earned him much respect in the goalkeeping ranks of the club. Last June, Alberto decided to sign a 12 month extension to his contract and again will play understudy to Toldo this year. Interesting Fact: Alberto's nickname amongst his team-mates is "Jimmy" due to the famous Italian singer Jimmy Fontana.
15 - Hector Fabian Carini Born: 26th December 1979 - Montevideo (Uruguay) Height: 189 cm Weight: 85 kg Carini made his footballing debut with hometown team Danubio in 1997 and then establishing himself in 1999. Carini was then made part of Uruguayan youth team in the 1997 and 1999 youth championships. In the latter, he was named the best keeper of the tournament and following this made his international debut at senior level against Paraguay. Carini's performances was spotted by Turin side, Juventus who brought him to Europe. Sadly for him, he was to sit on the bench as no2 to Gigi Buffon. Despite this, he remained a constant figure for his NT and went on to play at the World Cup in Japan and Korea. After not playing a single game for Juve the season before, he was loaned out to Belgium outfit Standard Leige for two seasons. On his return he was quickly sold to Inter as part of the Cannavaro deal that brought the defender to Turin. Interesting Fact: Carini is not bad outfield as well. He scored a penalty for Liege last season in their 2-1 win over Germinal Beerschot.
3 - Nicolas Burdisso Born: 12th April 1981 - Altos de Chipion (Argentina) Height: 182 cm Weight: 81 kg A product of the famous Boca Juniors youth system, Nicolas made his senior debut in 1998/99. What began was an amazing period for Boca and Nicolas. They won the Argentinian Apertura title, the Copa Libertadores and the Intercontinental Super Cup against Real Madrid in 2000. Burdisso went on to play for Argentina in the victorious Youth Championships the following year. The next year, Boca Juniors went on to reclaim the Copa Libertadores but lost to Bayern Munich in the Intercontinental Super Cup. In 2003, Nicolas made his full senior debut for Argentina against Honduras. Mainly a fringe player his main success was achieved when he captained the side to Olympic qualification and then onto the gold in Athens - without letting a single goal in. The previous season with Boca, he followed up his profound success by claiming yet another Apertura and another Copa Libertadores. As well as a Intercontinental Super Cup once more, beating AC Milan on penalties. In 2004, Burdisso helped Boca to another Copa Libertadores title, but lost to eventual winners Once Caldas despite scoring his team's only goal in a 1-1 aggregate win. The following summer, Burdisso was signed on a 4 year contract to Inter. Interesting Fact: Burdisso holds a valid Italian passport and is classed as an EU player
sigh........yes I am. I've used data of the UEFA website plus off the Inter site too. Had to look up players who I have no info on......
2 - Ivan Cordoba Born: 11th August 1976 - Medellin (Colombia) Height: 173 cm Weight: 70 kg Looking at Ivan, you wouldn't think he could play as a centre half. What he lacks in height he makes up in quick positional play and a great leap in the air. Once a target of Spanish giants Real Madrid, Ivan started out playing for his boyhood club Atlético Nacional de Medellín. He spent two years here before moving to San Lorenzo. Cordoba made his debut for Colombia in the 1997 Copa America and four years later managed to score the winner to give his nation the trophy in their own backyard. Cordoba still remains a starter for his country and is pivotal in their qualifying campaign for the 2006 world cup finals. In January 2000, Cordoba's performances for club and country were rewarded with a big money move to Inter Milan. His defensive displays have made him one of Serie A's most feared defenders and he combines his pace and great awareness to devastating effect. In his first full season, Inter missed out on the league title on the final day as well as losing in the semi-finals of the UEFA cup. More disappointment followed in 2002/03 as he made a total of 45 appearances but lost the title to Juventus. However he helped Inter reach the semi-finals of the CL. Last season, Cordoba played most games barring injury and played 11 out of 12 European games but was dismissed in the Italian cup semi-final second leg against Juventus. Interesting fact: Ivan always wear a T-shirt of his daughter Paloma under his Inter shirt.
11- Sinsia Mihajlovic Born: 20th February 1969 - Vukovar (Yugoslavia) Height: 185 cm Weight: 78 kg An aggressive, temperamental and often very controversial defender, Sinisa Mihajlovic often brings a fiery game with him, but is renowned for his spectacular set-pieces. Mihajlovic started his career in the former Yugoslavia for Vojvodinja where he helped them seal their first title for 23 years in 1989. There he went on to play for Serbian giants Red Star. Incredibly he managed to win two consecutive league titles in 1991 and 1992 as well as the European cup in 1991. He has more success as well with the Intercontinental Super cup in 1991 with Red Star Belgrade. Like many of that famous side he moved on and went to Italy to play for AS Roma in 1992. Following a brief and uneventful spell he went to play for Sven Goran Eriksson's Sampdoria where he was converted from midfielder into centre back. In 1998 he again teamed up with Eriksson at Lazio, where he won a Scudetto an Italian cup, The UEFA Cup Winners Cup and Super cup. In 2002/2003 he helped the club qualify for the Champions League. Internationally his record is again impressive scoring many goals in 63 caps for his nation. He announced his retirement from the squad last year after having played for Yugoslavia at WC 1998 and Euro 2000. A controversial figure off the field with his relations with former Serbian warlord Arkan and his racist comments to Arsenal's Patrick Vieira, he was fined 12,700 euros by UEFA for spitting at Chelsea's Adrian Mutu during a CL game. He was later given a 8 match ban. Last summer he left Lazio where he scored 20 goals in 126 games to rejoin Roberto Mancini to sign a 12 month contract. Interesting Fact: Mihajlovic once scored a hat-trick of free-kicks for Lazio at a game against Sampdoria in 1998.
23 - Marco Materazzi Born: 19th August 1973 - Lecce (Italy) Height: 193 cm Weight: 92 kg A central defender who is highly skilled in making tackles, Materazzi is solid as a rock in the heart of the Inter defence. He is also highly adept in free-kicks and penalties too. Materazzi started his career at Trapani Calcio, and was signed by Perugia in 1995 as a 21 year old. After just one game, he was loaned out to Carpi FC, where he played 18 times. He returned to Perugia for a full season in Serie B before heading to Everton in the English Premier League. Returning to Italy after two seasons in England he played for Perugia scoring 3 times in 21 games. Playing as a captain he became the club's penalty taker scoring 12 times the following season - thus breaking Daniel Passarella's record of goalscoring for a defender in the top flight. These exploits persuaded Inter to sign him for 10.5 million euros. Materazzi's first season ended in failure as Inter missed out on that elusive Scudetto but reached the semi-finals of the CL. The season before he made his Azzurri debut in 2001 against South Africa. He travelled to Japan for the World cup and managed to play in the infamous Pyrrhic victory against Bulgaria at Euro 2004. Last season, Marco managed only 14 games, but scored three times. He received an 8 week ban for violent conduct after punching Siena defender Bruno Cirillo ruling him out of the latter stages of the UEFA cup. Interesting Fact: Marco is the son of former Lazio, Bari and Sporting Lisbon coach Giuseppe Materazzi.
24 - Carlos Gamarra Born: 17th February 1971 - Ypacarai (Paraguay) Height: 180 cm Weight: 75 kg An experienced defender an all time record holder for Paraguay, Carlos Gamarra has played an illustrious career throughout the globe. Gamarra made his debut for Paraguay in 1993 and went on to captain the side. He is an ever present to this day. Gamarra intially made his name in Brazil for Corinthians. In 1998/99 he was voted player of the year at the club. He had previous played bit parts for Cerro Porteno in his native Paraguay and Internacional in Argentina. He also had spells on loan with Benfica and Atletico Madrid. During these spells he then went to Flamengo but failed to break into the first team. In the summer of 2001 he joined Greek outfit AEK Athens winning the Greek Cup. He stayed there a season before joining Inter in 2002. Gammara made his debut at Bari and then going on to play 14 times for the Nerazzurri. He aslo played his first ever game in the CL ending in the semi-finals. His tenth and final Serie A game was against Empoli last season as Inter secured fourth place. He left the club in June, but returned after the Olympics on a 1 year deal. Interesting Fact: Gamarra was voted South American player of the year in 1998.
16 - Guiseppe Favalli Born: 8th January 1972 – Orzinuovi (Italy) Height: 181 cm Weight: 77 kg A tenacious left back and yet another who has rejoined Roberto Mancini at Inter. A player with a lots of experience who is adept at the back and going forward too. Favalli started his career in the lower depths of Italian football and went to the big time the hard way, plying his trade for US Cremonese. He made his debut in 1989 and played there for 5 seasons. His solid displays earned him a transfer to Rome club Lazio in the summer of 1992. There he stayed for over 10 seasons, playing some 357 league games and scoring 5 goals. In 1998 Favalli was part of the Lazio squad that sealed the Cup Winner Cup against Real Mallorca in 1999. As well as claiming a Serie A title and a Coppa Italia double as well as the UEFA Super Cup. Last season, Favalli excelled in the Lazio defence, claiming another Coppa Italia against Juventus. The second leg marking his 400th game for the club. Despite the problems at the Biancoazzurri – Favalli was arguably one of the clubs most consistent performers and was awarded with a 2 year contract with Inter in the summer. Interesting Fact: Current Inter assistant coach Corrado Verdelli was his team-mate at Cremonese in 1990/91.
4 – Javier Zanetti Born: 10th August 1973 - Buenos Aires (Argentina) Height: 179 cm Weight: 75 kg One of the classiest right full backs in the world, the current Inter captain excels at everything the role would ask for an Inter skipper. Dominant in the air, strong on the ball and dynamic when pushing forward. He is equally at home on the right hand side of defence as he is on the right wing. Zanetti began in his native Argentina for Banfield making 66 appearances and scoring 4 goals. His quickly signed to Inter under the eyes of president Massimo Moratti. In 1995/96 he made his Inter debut. Despite his size and physique he is comfortable and versatile in any position he plays. He has managed to already clock up over 400 games for the club becoming the fifth all-time record holder for club games. In 1997/98 he scored Inter’s second goal as they beat Lazio to claim the UEFA cup. The captain missed out on a league title in 2002 but has guided Inter to a Champions League semi-final, playing every minute of their campaign. Internationally, Zanetti made his debut for Argentina in 1994 against Chile. And the following year played his first Copa America. He also played a big part in the famous Argentina side who won silver at the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta. He has played in the past two world cups and became a runner up to Brazil in last season’s Copa America. Javier still remains a key figure for his country on the right hand side of the midfield. Last season, Zanetti was one of Inter’s stalwarts and made 34 appearances and once more captaining the Nerazzurri to another CL campaign. Interesting fact: His nickname is “Il Trattore” – or the “The Tractor.”
13 – Ze Maria Born: 25th July 1973 – Oeiras (Brazil) Height: 175 cm Weight: 73 kg José Ferreira “Ze Maria” – made his footballing debut in Brazil for CS Sergipe in 1993, helping them win the Sergipe state championship. He was then to spend time on loan with fellow Brazilian teams, AA Ponte Preta and Portuguesa de Desportos in São Paulo. In 1995 he joined Flamengo in 1995 winning the Rio de Janiero state championship the following year and then sealing a transfer to Parma. In his first season at Parma he failed to break into the first team, but managed to make his Brazilian debut in the u23 squad against Canada at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He also helped his team claim Olympic bronze in the same year. In 1997 he became part of the squad that won the Confedrations cup and Copa America. Sadly he failed to be called up for the WC 1998 squad. Ze Maria returned to the squad in 2001, but sadly he has failed to dislodge regular full-back Cafu. After leaving Parma he went on to join Perugia in 1998/99 initially on loan. He then went to establish himself as a fans favourite and became an integral part in their topflight finishes in Serie A. Ze Maria penned a two year contract in 2004/05 with Inter as cover for Javier Zanetti. Interesting fact: Ze Maria made over 100 crosses last year for Perugia in Serie A.
77 - Francesco Coco Born: Paterno (Italy) Height: 182 cm Weight: 80kg Ironically Coco made his start in Italy for Milan’s other team – AC Milan. After several years in the youth and reserve team, he mad his debut in 1995/96 making just 5 appearances. The following year he was to make more games for the Rossineri, but sadly he was loaned out to Vicenza and later Torino. His performances on loan sadly didn’t bring him any success at Milan – due to the form of Paolo Maldini. In 2000/01 he made over 30 appearances for the Milan club and became a fixture for the team thanks to the injury of Paolo Maldini. However after a change of management and falling outs – he was loaned strangely to Barcelona, becoming the first Italian to play for the Spanish giants. With this in mind, Inter were quick to swap his red and black for blue and black and offered him a deal that brought Guly across the divide as well. In 2000 he made his Italy debut, but sadly it has gone downhill for him since, falling out of favour after a plight of injuries and change of managers. However he managed to get named in Italy’s WC squad for Japan and Korea in 2002. Interesting Fact: His favourite player growing up was Paolo Maldini, a player who was a threat to his position at Milan.
okay no more today.....despite posting alot, i can't post anymore without the server going nuts. I promise i'll put the rest on later.....sorry about some photos....
26 - Giovanni Pasquale Born: 5th January 1982 – Venaria (Italy) Height: 182 cm Weight: 72 kg In a squad of many nations with huge stars – it is highly refreshing to see a product of Inter’s very own youth system. However it was at Juventus where he was given his first kicks, but Inter have developed him as player from a young age. Pasquale plays as a winger but has been converted to a more defensive position, playing as left back. In 2001/02, he made numerous assists for the youth team from the left wing. In 2002/03, due to injuries and suspensions he was hastily rushed into the first team. But despite his age he flourished for the club and went on to play 18 times in Serie A and 11 times in the CL. Last season he managed yet more 14 outings in the first team. In August 2002, he made his Italy debut for the u21’s at Germany – strangely his first appearance for the Azzurri at any level. In 2003, he was named in the Italy squad for the friendly against Switzerland. Interesting fact: His dream is to play in the first team and end his career at Inter.
19 - Esteban Cambiasso Born: 18th August 1980 - Buenos Aires (Argentina) Height: 177 cm Weight: 78 cm At the age of just 16, Cambiasso was plucked from the youth ranks of Argentinos Juniors. After this move he spent the majority of his formative years back in Argentina playing for Independiente and River Plate. He was also part of the Argentinian u20 side that played at the Youth championships at Malaysia and played two other international u20 tournaments in South America in 1997 and 1999. He waited his time and finally scored in Monaco in a Super cup match to give Real the trophy that finally had eluded them. His start meant that he was to play 30 more games for the Madrid club as he won the Title with Real. Sadly the arrival of several Galacticos saw him play far less games his next season. With his contract up at the end of the season, he decided to move on and make the switch to Italy and the San Siro with Inter Milan. Esteban holds a valid Italian passport because his family originally come from Genoa. Interesting fact: Cambiasso was one of the youngest South American players ever to sign for European club in 1996 for Real Madrid.
5 - Emre Belozoglu Born: 7th September 1980 – Istanbul (Turkey) Height: 170 cm Weight: 68 kg An irascible midfield schemer, Emre Belozoglu is a tremendously exciting talent who can pass, tackle and dribble with equal aplomb. A talented player with his native Istanbul side Galatasary he excited Europe with his play in the UEFA cup triumph and Turkey in Euro 2004. Emre made his debut in 1997/98, firmly establishing himself as a first team regular for 4 seasons. Hence after 105 games and 13 goals it was no surprise that Emre was to sign for Inter in the summer of 2000. In his debut season, Emre found chances in the first-team hard to come by. He played five times in Inter’s run to the CL semi-finals. Likeness to Zinedine Zidane followed and he was applauded by the media throughout Italy as a potential star in the making. He did indeed live up to the hype and played an integral part of the Inter team, setting up chances and popping in with goals. Emre made his debut for Turkey at the tender age of 19 against Moldova and managed to score a classy volleyed winner. He made the Turkish squad which finished third in the 2002 World Cup and still remains a key figure for his national team. Strangely last season, he failed to score any goals for Turkey or Inter, but managed to seal yet another CL spot. Interesting Fact: Emre became the youngest Turkish player to move to a top European club.
8 – Edgar Davids Born: 13th March 1973 - Paramaribo (Surinam) Height: 169 cm Weight: 68 kg Davids began in the world famous Ajax youth system and made his debut in the 1991/92 season. This season ended with him claiming a UEFA cup winners medal. The next season he claimed a Dutch cup, a success preceding three successive championships and a UEFA Champions League victory in 1994/95 – beating Milan 1-0 in Vienna. It was a game that saw a team full of potential stars broken up soon after though. And Edgar was no exception joining AC Milan in 1996. Sadly Edgar broke his leg and never managed to settle in Milan, managing only 19 games. Juventus managed to salvage his career bringing him to Turin and making him into the role of midfield terrier. At the end of the 1997/98 season he was to win a Scudetto. He then went on to play as a regular for Juve until he was banned for testing positive for nandrelone and was banned for 6 months. Despite this Davids won yet another Scudetto with Juve in 2003, and was inspirational in Europe – even though Juventus lost the CL final to Milan on penalties. Internationally Edgar made his Holland debut in 1994, a 1-0 defeat against Ireland. Moments before euro 96 he was sent home for criticising manager Guus Hiddink, but he was back to his best form in WC 1998, finishing in 4th place. Sadly at the height of his Juventus career he was to fall out of favour after contract negotiations broke down. He then went on loan to Barcelona and was inspirational in achieving Barca a second spot in La Liga. After turning down Barcelona's contract offer – he decided to head back to the city that had not been the best for him – Milan. Only this time for the team in Blue and Black. Interesting Fact: Edgar wears protective glasses during matches due to his glaucoma condition.
17 – Nicola Beati Born: 13th Febraury 1983 – Perugia (Italy) Height: 181 cm Weight: 76 kg Very mature for his age, Beati is a good reader of the game and dictates the pace of play from the middle of the park with his commanding displays. A natural born leader who controls the game. Another product of the Inter youth system, Nicola made his debut in 2001. In 2002 he was captain of the youth team that won the Viareggio Carnival Tournament. In the same year he made his debut for the Azzurri u21’s. Sadly in 2002/03 he suffered a premature end to his season after suffering a serious ligament injury. Last season he spent time on loan at Triestina and will be looking to break into the Inter first team this year. Interesting Fact: Beati celebrated last season’s victory in Viareggio with a bottle of sparkling wine bought the day before.
21 - Georgios Karagounis Born: 6th March 1977 - Pygros (Greece) Height: 176cm Weight: 74kg A competitive and agressive attacking midfielder, Karagounis is crucial player in the centre of the park who is equally at home driving out on the right. Signing his first professional contracts with Panathinaikos in his early days of football, he sadly failed to make the grade and was allowed to leave for Apollon FC. There he became a regular goalscorer for the club and two years down the line - the club that let him go wanted him back. Managing six goals in 24 appearances for the Athens club in his debut season back - it was some years later that was his crowing achievement at club level. Panathinaikos reached the semis of the CL in 2001 and Karagounis was inspirational and ever-present in the side, scoring an outrageous free-kick against 99 champs Manchester United at Old Trafford. Internationally Karagounis made his name as captain of the u21 Greek team in 1998. Then making his full debut at senior level against El Salvador. It was last season whilst as an Inter player that he made world-wide success and plaudits. After helping qualify Greece for Euro 2004, he opened the scoring at Porto against the hosts as Greece triumphed 2-1. It was then some weeks later that he was recieving a winners medal after his nation claimed their first ever International honours. Karagounis moved to Inter in the summer of 2003 after missing out on a Greek title once more to rivals Olympiakos. Since then he has been used sparingly in the team-setup. Interesting Fact: He is only the second Greek player to play for Inter (the first being Grigoris Georgatos.)
14 - Juan Sebastian Veron Born: 9th March 1975 - La Plata (Argentina) Height: 186cm Weight: 79kg An acute and pinpoint passer of the ball from the depths of midefield, Juan Sebastian Veron is regarded as one of the most creative and flamboyant players in Europe. Great vision and stunning technique on the ball is the hallmark of his game. Veron began in his native Argentina for his hometown team Club Estudiantes de la Plata - a club his father (Juan Ramon) played for in the 1960's. It was there that his talents were spotted by giants Boca Juniors who quickly snapped him up. after just 17 games at Boca he was on the move again as his talents were spotted by European scouts. It was at Sampdoria with Sven Goran Eriksson that Veron would start off his european adventure and become one of Europe's most prominent midfield players. Scroing six goals in 61 starts for Genoa as well as numerous assists - he made a move to Parma winning the Copa Italia and UEFA cup. For Argetina, Veron made his debut in 1996 at Poland and hasn't looked back since. Reaching the quarters of the WC in 1998 and again making another WC in 2002 - sadly the team went home early. He has also captained Argentina on numerous occassions. In 1999 after staring for Parma he made the move to Rome giants Lazio where he again teamed up with Eriksson winning an Italian league and cup double. But after several Italian authorites started to crack down on false passport documentations - several players faced suspension from the Italian game; notably Marcelo Salas and Veron. It was a suprising transfer to England that Veron made - to Manchester United for a whooping British transfer record fee (44.3m euros.) After a disappointing start to his Man U career he won a League title but sadly for him his second season was to see him lose out to Arsenal. Falling out witht he overly-critical media he made his way to big spenders Chelsea for half of his Man U transfer fee. A change of manager and season plagued by injury saw Veron loaned out to Inter Milan for the season. Interesting Fact: He wears a band under his right knee as to protect it, after a serious knee injury he once suffered.