22 - Inter Xmas Advent Calendar: Beppe Bergomi

«Give everything, play with your heart and the Inter fans will follow you and always hold you up high».

How many games did Beppe Bergomi play for Inter? He first wore the shirt on 30 January 1980 aged 16 and one month in a Coppa Italia match against Juventus in Turin that finished 0-0. From then on, he played 758 times in competitive fixtures and scored 28 goals. In the league, he played 519 times and scored 23. In Europe, he made 117 appearances. In the Coppa Italia he featured 122 times and scored five goals. He won the Scudetto in 1989, the Coppa Italia in 1982, the Supercoppa Italiana in 1989 and he won the UEFA Cup three times (1991, 1994 and 1998). For Italy, he featured 81 times and scored six international goals, also winning the World Cup in 1982. 

It was with Italy where he picked up the nickname of ‘Zio’ (uncle). Today, Beppe Bergomi who was born in Settala turns 56. The example he set on and off the pitch will endure for generations of Inter fans. On his birthday, the warmest of greetings from the Nerazzurri family. Happy Birthday, Zio!