Giuliano - First name in the line-up

That famous line-up was unforgettable, yet few stopped to consider the first name. The defence, they said, was the secret behind that incredible Inter side. Burgnich and Guarneri were relentless man-markers, Facchetti the goalscoring full-back and Picchi the charismatic leader. Then there was Giuliano Sarti, who at one point seemed destined to be the perennial runner-up.

What few people know is that Sarti joined Inter very late in his career. He was 30, an advanced age for a footballer at the time. He had spent almost his entire career with Fiorentina, recording four runners-up finishes and losing a European Cup final to Real Madrid, although his saves earned him the praise of Alfredo Di Stéfano. He had also helped the Viola win the first Scudetto in their history. And then? Then came Inter, and the chance to make history. His first season brought the sweetest revenge of all, against Real Madrid. This time, Di Stéfano had congratulations to add to his praise. Inter were champions of Europe and Sarti could finally celebrate.