Inter in Japan: Two previous times

On 27 July, Inter take on Al Nassr in Osaka and then PSG in Tokyo in their two friendlies in Japan this summer.

The Nerazzurri have been to the Land of the Rising Sun twice before: in 1981 and 2004.

KIRIN CUP 1981

For the first instance, we need to go back 40 years into the past. The Nerazzurri, on that occasion, were invited to participate in the Kirin Cup, a friendly tournament that began in 1978. The peculiarity of that particular competition was the mix of club and international sides. In 1981, Bersellini's Inter took part alongside Japan, China, Everton, Club Brugge and Mitsubishi. It was a talented squad too, with Altobelli, Baresi, Beccalossi, Bini, Bordon, Oriali and the Austrian Prohaska, who was one of the best performers at the tournament.

The Nerazzurri played their matches in Tokyo and Nagoya. They played against Mitsubishi and Club Brugge in the group, beating the Japanese side 1-0 thanks to Prohaska's goal and drawing 0-0 with the Belgian side. Inter cruised past Everton in the semis, winning 4-1 thanks to an Altobelli brace and goals from Prohaska and Caso. The final against Club Brugge was won 2-0 by the Belgians. The Nerazzurri players were welcomed like heroes as they attended a host of exclusive events off the pitch as well.

SAITAMA CITY CUP 2004

Our second tour to Japan was organised in 2004 when Inter were invited to play in the Saitama City Cup, the international friendly tournament in the city of Saitama. Only a part of the squad travelled to Japan, with the rest of the team involved in friendlies elsewhere. The coaching staff was split too. Fernando Orsi, Roberto Mancini's number two, led the team against the Orawa Reds while the head coach took the rest of the team. Here is the Nerazzurri's XI that day: Toldo (88' Bindi), Dellafiore, Adani, Giani, Coco (80' Visconti), Karagounis (87' Di. Marino), Farinos, Lamouchi, Zicu (46' Costanzo, 78' M. Lombardo), Recoba, Choutos (7' Meggiorini).

Urawa won the game 1-0. Then too the tour was a perfect chance to renew the Club's presence in Japan and connect with its local fanbase.