Inter finally complete their hat-trick

For the third time in a decade, the UEFA Cup was claimed by FC Internazionale Milano – and just as in the first of those triumphs, in 1991, the losing finalists were from Rome.

After the trauma of losing on penalties on home turf a year before, Inter took full advantage of the new one-off final to storm past SS Lazio. And while they previously lifted the trophy both times in an Italian stadium, the supporters in Paris from both clubs made each team feel at home. 

Lazio were in their first European final against a club in their eighth, and perhaps the magnitude of the occasion got to them because they fell behind on five minutes. Javier Zanetti's ball released Iván Zamorano, who raced forward and shot past Luca Marchegiani to score in his second consecutive final.

With the cushion of a goal, Inter were able to relax and give full rein to their brilliant Brazilian, Ronaldo, at 21 already recognised as perhaps the planet's best. He teased, shimmied, twisted and turned, and not long before the half-hour shot on to the post.

Although Lazio were able to get to the break only a goal down, Inter were clearly the better team and it was no surprise when they scored again on the hour mark. Ronaldo's high free-kick fell to Zamorano who, returning the favour for the first goal, headed into the path of Zanetti for the Argentinian to gleefully hammer in.

Ten minutes later and the contest was all but over. Francesco Colonnese tackled Roberto Mancini, and set in motion a swift attack in which Francesco Moriero sent Ronaldo clear to round Marchegiani and claim the goal his performance undeniably merited.

Despite a difficult last ten minutes for both teams, the Nerazzurri were triumphant, again this competition making up for their perennial disappointment on the domestic stage.