Juventus-Inter rivalry: Bianconeri ultras blasted after disrupting tribute to Italy legend

News

FT Desk

A section of Juventus ultras have been criticised by the club after they disrupted a tribute to Italy legend Sandro Mazzola, who passed away this week.

Mazzola spent his entire professional career with Inter Milan from 1961 to 1977. He became one of the key players in Inter’s famous “Grande Inter” team under manager Helenio Herrera.

During his career, he won four Serie A titles, two European Cups and two Intercontinental Cups with Inter. He also played 70 times for Italy, helping them win the 1968 European Championship and reach the 1970 World Cup final.

Mazzola scored twice in the 1964 European Cup final against Real Madrid, one of the highlights of his career. He is remembered as one of Inter Milan’s greatest players and one of Italy’s most important footballers of his generation.

Due to Juventus' fierce rivalry with Inter, the Bianconeri's ultras in the Curva Sud refused to take part in a minute's silence in tribute to Mazzola, turning their backs on the pitch and chanting during the reflection period.

Un gesto vergognoso, che va oltre la rivalità e il tifo.

Prima di Juventus-Atalanta, all’Allianz Stadium, il calcio si è fermato per ricordare Sandro Mazzola. Durante il minuto di raccoglimento, però, una parte della Curva Sud bianconera ha scelto di voltare le spalle al campo e… pic.twitter.com/b4H4UsJEKx

— Radio Radio (@RadioRadioWeb) September 21, 2026

The club said in a post-match statement:

"No rivalry can justify a lack of respect during a minute’s silence.

"Honouring the memory of those being remembered and coming together in remembrance during moments of commemoration is a shared responsibility that transcends allegiances and colours."

In the game itself, Juve emerged victorious in a 2-0 Serie A victory against Atalanta.

La Dea's boss Maurizio Sarri was also keen to criticise the Juve ultras for their disrespectful actions.

"A bad feeling, perhaps done by a generation that doesn't realise what Mazzola achieved, regardless of the shirt he wore. Paying tribute to such a figure is the least we can do," he said.

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti said: "It's not right, respect and sportsmanship are needed."

Sandro Mazzola scored seven goals against Juventus during his career for Inter, according to the available match records.