Inter Milan will take the field at Munich’s Allianz Arena for the UEFA Champions League final wearing black armbands in memory of Ernesto Pellegrini, the club’s former president, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 84. The tribute will take place on one of the most significant nights in European soccer, underscoring the deep legacy Pellegrini left during his time at the helm of the Nerazzurri.
“President Ernesto Pellegrini has left us. For eleven years he led Inter with wisdom, honor, and determination, leaving an indelible mark on the history of our Club. Inter Milan and the entire ‘nerazzurri’ family join in mourning with his loved ones,” the club stated in an official release.
Pellegrini presided over Inter from 1984 to 1995, a golden era marked by both domestic and international success. Under his leadership, the club won the historic 1988-89 Serie A title—setting a then-record of 58 points in 34 matches when wins were still worth just two points. His tenure also brought home a Supercoppa Italiana and two UEFA Cups (1991 and 1994), bolstering Inter’s standing on the European stage.
Known as the architect of the “German Inter,” Pellegrini was responsible for bringing in legends such as Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Lothar Matthäus, Andreas Brehme, and Jürgen Klinsmann. These moves not only reshaped Inter’s identity but also laid the foundation for their late-80s and early-90s dominance.
Beyond soccer, Pellegrini was a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Coming from humble beginnings, he built one of Italy’s largest catering companies and was widely respected for his charitable work, including initiatives to fight hunger and support education.
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As Inter aim to lift another Champions League trophy, they’ll do so with the memory of a president who helped shape the club’s modern identity—both on and off the pitch.
