Spillo - The Hat - Trick Hero

A pin is small, thin and seemingly harmless. But at times, it can do plenty of damage.

Just ask Dino Zoff, who came up against a particularly troublesome one on 11 November 1979. His name was Alessandro Altobelli, better known as Spillo. And in a single match, he managed to put three goals past Italy's national team goalkeeper.

The victim? Juventus, of course. The final score? Four-nil. And for some, that Sunday must have been anything but perfect.

First half: Juventus. Second half: Inter. And what a performance from the Nerazzurri!

On 11 November 1979, San Siro hosted a Derby d'Italia that seemed to be heading one way after 45 minutes, only to end in one of Inter's biggest victories over Juventus. Bersellini's side came into the match still feeling the effects of their European elimination earlier that week. After a 1-1 draw in Germany, Borussia Mönchengladbach had knocked Inter out in the second round of the UEFA Cup with a 3-2 extra-time victory at San Siro. Juventus, meanwhile, started brightly, showing plenty of energy and determination to put the Nerazzurri under pressure. The match remained goalless at halftime, but the visitors looked firmly in control.

But Bersellini isn't having it. In the dressing room, he demands a change of approach from his players: no more sitting back, they need to press Juventus and go looking for goals. And his players take his words to heart. Just three minutes after the restart, Altobelli steps up to the penalty spot. He beats Zoff to make it 1-0. Just two minutes later, Spillo strikes again. Inter is already 2-0 up, and San Siro erupts. Juventus tries to respond, but the game has completely changed. In the 74th minute, Muraro adds a third before Beccalossi sets up Altobelli five minutes later to cap off his perfect afternoon. One touch, a shot, and a goal. Four-nil. A hat-trick for Spillo, all three goals coming against Dino Zoff. It's Altobelli's first Serie A hat-trick. "I never imagined I'd set this personal record against one of the strongest teams in the league. Three goals against Zoff. I can hardly believe it myself," he says after the match.

And that week also has a fitting soundtrack: Antonello Venditti tops the Italian album charts with Buona domenica (Happy Sunday). A title that couldn't be more appropriate for Inter fans that day. Because 11 November 1979, was a truly special Sunday at San Siro. And one man, Alessandro Altobelli, made it unforgettable.