30 years on, remembering Javier Zanetti's debut with Inter: a Nerazzurri story
Legends
— Aug 27th 2025Inter vs. Vicenza was the first of 858 matches the Argentine played in the Nerazzurri jersey: 30 years on, Zanetti shares his story with Inter in a special interview
Sunday 27 August 1995: Inter, led by Ottavio Bianchi, took the pitch for the opening game of the 1995/96 Serie A campaign. Newly promoted Vicenza arrived at San Siro as a confident and tactically well-structured side. At first glance, it seemed like just another match for the Nerazzurri, a game that was not destined for the history books. Yet, that late afternoon in August, the fans at the Meazza witnessed a game that will forever be part of Inter lore. Among the starters for the Nerazzurri was a young Argentine wearing the number 4 jersey, a 22-year-old who had joined the club over the summer from Banfield.
That afternoon, Javier Zanetti made his debut for Inter, the first of 858 appearances that would make him the player with the most matches in Nerazzurri history. Inter vs. Vincenza marks the beginning of a remarkable journey, full of wins, records, and unforgettable moments, shared with hundreds of teammates and millions of fans across the globe. Thirty years ago, the current Nerazzurri Vice President made his first appearance in the Club's colours that he would never leave. Zanetti was positioned on the right flank by Ottavio Bianchi, while another summer signing, Roberto Carlos, played on the left. The team was driven by the energy and skill of its wingers, who were fast, agile, and impossible to contain. The match was ultimately decided by the Brazilian full-back, who scored from a low free-kick, a trademark move from Roberto Carlos.
That afternoon, Inter won what seemed to be just another match, but nobody had imagined it would become the most unforgettable day of Javier Zanetti's career, a career that would see him become the most decorated player in Inter's history with 16 trophies, five Serie A titles, one Champions League, one Club World Cup, one UEFA Cup, four Coppa Italia, and four Supercoppa Italiana.
INTER VS. VICENZA 1-0 - 27 AUGUST 1995
Goal: 52' Roberto Carlos.
Inter: Pagliuca; J. Zanetti, Festa, Fresi, M. Paganin, Roberto Carlos (84' Bergomi); Ince, Dell'Anno, Berti (55' Bianchi); Delvecchio (55' Fontolan), Ganz. Head Coach: Ottavio Bianchi.
Vicenza: Mondini; Sartor, Lopez, Bjorklünd, D'Ignazio; Mendez (65' Rossi), Di Carlo, Maini, Lombardini; Murgita, Otero (69' Briaschi). Head Coach: Francesco Guidolin.
Referee: Rodomonti.
“I will always remember my first match: Inter vs. Vicenza, 27 August 1995. For me, it was a dream come true, making my debut at San Siro in front of 80,000 people. We won the match thanks to a goal from Roberto Carlos, who had just arrived too. I will always carry the passion and energy from that day with me. That's why my favourite day is my debut: I never could have imagined it would be the first of 858 with Inter. That day I stepped onto the pitch for the first time wearing the Nerazzurri number four shirt; that day marked the start of my story with Inter. ”
Javier Zanetti