Seventeen years of denial: Inter’s lost Scudetto

Date: 26th April 2015 at 10:00am
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With their progress this season coming to a grounding halt, the Nerazzurri recall a Scudetto that was denied them in the most controversial of circumstances.

Juventus v Inter 1998

It’s was incident that has become synonymous with the Caliopoli scandal which had gripped Italian football in 2006.

The season was 1997-98 and the fixture pitted reigning champions Juventus against Inter at the Stadio delle Alpi, with one point separating the two sides at the top of the table.

The final score was 1-0 to the hosts and eventual champions; but controversy surrounded the fixture and now, 17 years to the day, fans of the Nerazzurri can speak with confidence about a league title that they were denied.

The specific incident in question surrounds star striker Ronaldo, who was blocked illegally by Bianconeri defender Mark Iuliano in the penalty area. All signs pointed to a spot kick for the away side, but despite the blatancy of Iuliano’s offence, referee Piero Ceccarini waved play on much to Ronaldo’s horror.

As if to add salt to injury, Ceccarini then awarded a penalty to Juventus after a foul by Taribo West on Alessandro Del Piero. Although the resultant penalty wasn’t scored, the Nerazzurri were decidedly infuriated.

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In 2009, Ceccarini gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport discussing the incident.

He admitted he made the wrong decision in not awarding Inter a penalty, but also revealed his own personal suffering as a result of his poor judgment; in particular the difficulties members of his family had endured.

Then Inter coach, Luigi Simoni, responded to this revelation in an interview with Itasportpress, thanking Ceccarini for his comments but quantifying no level of honesty would award Inter the 1998 Scudetto back. It currently represents Juventus’ 25th Serie A title, but it also happens to coincide with one of the darkest periods in football history.

Luigi Simoni Inter

In the ensuing Calciopoli scandal, Juventus were found guilty of procuring ‘favourable’ referee’s for fixtures; while the conspiracy itself was uncovered in 2006, there’s no telling whether or not Piero Ceccarini was indeed influenced.

However, the events do seem coincidental to say the least and nothing can be ruled out in this instance. Even today the shockwaves of the Calciopoli scandal can be felt, with Juventus officials seeking compensation for damages.

Interisti have no doubt they were denied a league title in 1998, but sadly for the Nerazzurri, they are looking far from contenders this season.

Juventus v Inter

Languishing in seventh and with little chance of securing a place in the Europa League, let alone the Champions League, the mood couldn’t be bleaker at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

Although their city rivals AC Milan aren’t fairing any better at this present time either, many feel this Inter team should be doing much better. Interestingly, Juventus are set to bag yet another Scudetto; showing that despite the passage of time the Bianconeri are still dominant.

The Nerazzurri may have built their history in the 20th century, but they have enjoyed a noteworthy start to the new century.

Five league titles, four Coppa Italia and one Champions League trophy have marked a solid 15 years for Inter.

Under the new ownership of Erick Thohir the club will be looking to mount a more challenge next season, with fans eager to match Juventus as opposed to watching them run out towards more trophies.

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3 responses to “Seventeen years of denial: Inter’s lost Scudetto”

  1. juve is the ultimate disgrace to all soccer worldwide and the apitamy of what wrong in italy today. FUk juve their organization and affiliate with them . juve juve va fa culo juve juve va fa cule gazzi di merda . the only thing i like is thier black and white stripes they look like crimiinals and walways will be and oh yo moggi fuk you too you pos cock sucker

  2. xdgdryt says:

    thieves

  3. Inter Merda says:

    And the recent results in courts show what?? Inter always chasing shadows. You’ll need anoth farcial Scandal to help you back up. Down you go, where you belong. Scum