The Cup final opposed Inter to Torino – an intriguing duel, for Torino reached the final for third year in row and so far lost two finals. Inter, naturally, was hungry for a trophy – it is easy to assume, that so famous club as Inter won the Italian Cup many times: in fact, they won it only twice so far. Torino won 4 cups. Another chapter of the great Milan vs Turin rivalry. Two-legged final still and the first match was in Milano. The hosts won 1-0. Seemingly, Torino had a good chance – but if it was another country and another football culture: in Italy 1 goal was a huge advantage. Used fully by Inter – they tied the second leg 1-1 and won the trophy.
Not many clubs in the world lost three consecutive finals, but the distinction is negative – three time losers is something to be ashamed of. Torino never lost by much – the results were almost exactly the same in every lost final – but they lost. Twice to Roma and now to Inter. One can really feel sorry for this team – so close… and so unlucky. But it was the end of the strong years of the club and the results strongly suggested that. Torino was running on the inertia of the 1970s, yet, it was downhill run. Unable to win anymore. No surprise here: only Zaccarelli and Pulici remained from the strong champions squad and both were over the hill by now. Danova, Dossena… good players, but nothing like the veterans when they were at their prime. The Dutch defender Van de Korput was strong addition, but let face it: he was not even close to star like Krol. Torino was going down… losing by little, but losing.
Unlike Torino, Inter looked fine – the squad was seemingly stronger than the team winning the Italian title not long ago. Bordon, Bergomi, Altobelli, Oriali, Baresi will be world champions in less than two months after winning the cup. Add fairly famous names and future stars – Serena, Marini, Gori, Rocca. And add Prohaska – the Austrian playmaker was one of the top in the world at his post and he solved the problem in midfield for Inter – they had no real chance of getting the leading Italian midfielders, but lift of the prohibition on foreign players instantly solved the problem. Yet, this squad was underperforming in the championship. Winning the Cup was a fine achievement, compensating for rather insignificant season, deep in the shadow of Juventus. And this trophy Inter very rarely won, so it was great – a 3rd Cup. Bravo!