Javier Zanetti made his Inter debut 20 years ago, before going on to become the Nerazzurri’s all-time leading appearance-maker. David Lee Wheatley reflects on just how significant a signing the man known as ‘The Tractor’ proved to be.
After establishing himself with Talleres and Banfield, versatile right-sided player Zanetti was courted by Argentine big-hitters River Plate and Boca Juniors. However, he plumped for Italy’s Serie A instead, to become one of the very first signings made by new Inter president Massimo Moratti.
His debut arrived at right wing-back on August 27 1995 against Vicenza in a narrow 1-0 home victory at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. He went on to make 32 Serie A appearances during that initial campaign, missing just two league matches. City rivals AC Milan lifted the Scudetto, while Inter trailed behind in 7th to seal UEFA Cup qualification.
That same continental tournament finally brought Zanetti silverware in 1998, as Inter thrashed compatriots Lazio 3-0 at the Parc des Princes, in the first single-legged final. The Argentine international hit the second goal after an hour, while fellow South Americans Ivan Zamorano and Ronaldo struck either side of his goal.
Zanetti was later handed the club captaincy in 1999 when Nerazzurri icon Giuseppe Bergomi chose to retire aged 35. Despite a series of impressive campaigns personally, he had to wait until 2005 to claim a first trophy while in possession of the armband. Inter defeated Roma 3-0 in the two-legged Coppa Italia final to seal only their fourth triumph in the domestic cup competition.
Two months later, Zanetti helped his team to notch the Supercoppa Italiana, courtesy of an extra-time goal from Juan Sebastian Veron.
Shame befell Italian football at the end of the next term, when Juventus were originally declared Serie A champions, only to have the honour revoked due to the Calciopoli scandal. The Nerazzurri had finished second, and were therefore given the 2006 title at Juve’s expense. Meanwhile, the Old Lady were demoted to Serie B for their part in the controversy.
Though it came in unusual circumstances, that situation conjured a period of absolute Inter dominance, initially under Roberto Mancini.
Nicknamed ‘El Tractor’ in ode to his tireless energy and non-stop running, Zanetti was utilised in a more advanced role on the right side of midfield, after Brazilian Maicon arrived on the scene from Monaco. Still, he was one of the first names on the team-sheet as Inter racked up five consecutive league titles, including that infamous 2006 edition.
His passing and crossing ability were well-suited to the position further up the park, while calm assurance on the ball meant that he rarely lost possession.
Highly-rated tactician Jose Mourinho had joined the Beneamata in 2008, following a short sabbatical caused by his sacking at Chelsea. He ensured Inter remained at the pinnacle of domestic football, but achieved something which predecessor Mancini failed to do, which is to win Europe’s greatest prize. They did just that when beating Bayern Munich 2-0 in the 2010 Champions League final, thanks to a Diego Milito double, which came hot on the heels of a memorable semi-final triumph over Barcelona.
Zanetti showed supreme composure when making his 55th outing of the campaign in the showpiece final on the right of a three-man midfield. It marked the Argentinian star’s 700th overall appearance for Inter, plus he became the first captain of an Italian club to deliver a treble of the Scudetto, Coppa Italia and Champions League.
The Supercoppa was claimed once again, along with their one and only Club World Cup, but under the guidance of new coach Rafa Benitez. In between, his on-field leader became the oldest goalscorer in Champions League history with a strike against Tottenham Hotspur at the ripe old age of 37 years and 71 days.
Benitez lasted at the helm until December 2010, when a falling out with club management – allied to poor league form – saw him fired after six months. The Nerazzurri enjoyed Coppa Italia glory for a 7th time at the end of that 2010-11 campaign, when they swept Palermo aside 3-1.
Zanetti remained a fixture in the side until his 40th birthday, making 48 appearances across all competitions throughout the 2012-13 season.
What turned out to be his final term in Nerazzurri colours saw the Buenos Aires native become a peripheral figure for the only period in his entire career, with 13 outings coming his way. Alas, he didn’t add to his trophy haul during those last three years at the club, but he could already boast 16 to his name from a 19-year association with the Milan giants.
He retired aged 41, highlighting his fantastic physical shape and professionalism, whilst being appointed Inter vice-president by current owner Erick Thohir.
Two-footed, quick and adept at fulfilling various roles, Zanetti was a coach’s dream. And, as an enduring sign of his contribution, he hung up his boots after 858 appearances in total – a full 102 more than next best Bergomi.
The South American star arrived as a naïve 22-year-old in 1995, but developed into one of the greatest footballers in Inter’s history.
Returnee coach Roberto Mancini would surely give anything to have club icon Zanetti back on the pitch once more.
great article. Love Zanetti. what a gentleman and he embodies the true spirit of the game.