APPIANO GENTILE – Mauro Bellugi looked back on his five seasons in black and blue when he sat down with Inter Channel for this week's episode of Memorabilia.
"I had quite an unusual career that was affected by a number of injuries," he began. "I made my debut for Inter against Palermo in 1969 and I remember it very clearly."
Prior to that, the former defender spent some time in the Nerazzurri academy and met Helenio Herrera, though never played under him.
“He was there when I went to the Pinetina for my first trial. At the time lots of other clubs were interested in me but Inter was too much of a draw. I just couldn't turn down Inter once I knew they wanted me, although it meant joining a team that had won the lot and it wasn't easy to settle in.
“I played in midfield for the Under-19s but then when I got promoted to the senior squad I started playing at full-back."
In his second year with the first team, Inter began the season poorly and after five games Giovanni Invernizzi was appointed to take over in the dugout.
“Lots of things changed after Invernizzi came in and we ended up going on to win the Scudetto,” Bellugi recalled.
The former Italy defender made 137 appearances for the Nerazzurri and scored once.
“My only goal for Inter was when we beat Borussia Moenchengladbach in the European Cup second round in 1971.
“Football is different nowadays. The smaller teams come to the Meazza all set on playing with the utmost determination.
“Playing at San Siro wasn't easy. I remember the crowd being extremely passionate but also demanding.
“I've lived in Milan since 1966 and I'm still an Interista now.”
