An ageing squad collapsed in League to the 5th position clinching a UEFA spot for the next year.
In European Cup the club after 4 years returned to the highest continental tournament. In eightfinals the team played against German side Borussia Mönchengladbach, the first leg of the series was a bizarre event. In the seventh minute the Germans score the first thanks to Jupp Heynckes. Twelve minutes later Forward Roberto Boninsegna scored the draw, however few minutes later Ulrik le Fevre made the 2–1.[1]
At minute 29, Boninsegna on the field side was hit by a Coca-Cola can and felt down over the grass. The squad included head coach Invernizzi, asked the Dutch referee Jef Dorpmans the suspension of the match.[2][3]
Invernizzi replaced Boninsegna, according to the Inter medical staff.[4] The Dutch referee ordered the match to be played and in the next 60 minutes the Germans score 5 times thanks to the permisssivness by Inter;.[5]
Few days later, UEFA annulled the match, rescheduling on 1 December 1971 at Berlin, a neutral venue. Finally, Inter advanced to the quarterfinals after a 4-2 won at San Siro, and a 0–0 score on the replay. The Neroazzurro clinched the 1972 European Cup Final only to be defeated by Johan Cruijff's Ajax with a 0–2 score.
Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: This game was annulled as Inter Forward Roberto Boninsegna was hit by a Coca-Cola can in the 29th minute.[2][3] The first leg game was replayed after the game that was originally scheduled to be second leg was played, thus the order of legs was switched.
Note: During the shoot-out, teams had to take all five penalties even if they could no longer win (the shoot-out would otherwise have ended with a score of 5–3 as Inter went first).
