The Story Behind the Iconic 2005 Milan Derby Photograph
· Sports · BBC Sport
The iconic photograph of AC Milan's Rui Costa and Inter Milan's Marco Materazzi standing together amidst a wall of flares was captured by photographer Stefano Rellandini during the 2005 Champions League quarter-final. The match at the San Siro was abandoned in the 73rd minute after Inter Milan supporters threw objects and flares onto the pitch, one of which struck AC Milan goalkeeper Dida. Rellandini, working for Reuters, captured the moment of calm between the two rivals as the stadium descended into chaos following a disallowed goal by Esteban Cambiasso. Milan were leading 3-0 on aggregate at the time and were subsequently awarded the victory to advance in the competition. The image remains a defining visual of the intense rivalry between the two Milanese clubs.
Why it matters
The image captures a rare moment of human connection during a violent stadium incident that forced the abandonment of a major European football fixture, highlighting the volatile atmosphere of the Milan derby.
Read the original report — BBC Sport
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