Bologna vs Inter Milan 1964 CWC Semi-Final

Lore & Background

In reality, Inter Milan did not participate in the 1963-64 European Cup Winners' Cup; they were the reigning European Cup champions and instead played in and won the 1963-64 European Cup, defeating Real Madrid in the final. Bologna FC's best runs in the Cup Winners' Cup came later, and the first meeting of two Italian clubs in European competition was the 1963-64 European Cup semi-final between Inter and AC Milan.

Reader's Guide

The fixture took place over two legs during April and May of 1964. In the first leg at San Siro on April 29, Inter Milan defeated Bologna 1-0 thanks to a goal by Sandro Mazzola.

The return match occurred on May 13 at Stadio Littoriale in Bologna. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Bologna could not score against Inter's organized defense, resulting in a 0-0 draw.

Key moments included Mazzola's clinical finish in Milan and the heroic defensive display by Facchetti throughout both games. The aggregate score of 2-0 sent Inter to the final, where they would eventually win the trophy.

The legacy of this tie is profound for Bologna, representing their closest brush with a European final until decades later. It highlighted the tactical gap between the two giants but cemented the Rossoneri's reputation as fierce competitors on the continental stage.