Inter Milan handed club veteran Javier Zanetti a memorable send-off with a 4-1 win over Lazio which secured their place in next season’s Europa League.
Updated: May 11, 2014, 12:00 AM
In pictures: Inter legend Javier Zanetti’s last match
Zanetti, who has spent 19 seasons with Inter, was playing in his final official game before taking up a director’s post with the Serie A giants. Matteo Bazzi / EPA
Despite Zanetti’s San Siro farewell drawing a near capacity crowd, Inter coach Walter Mazzarri left the Argentine on the bench until he replaced Jonathan in the 52nd minute. Olivier Morin / AFP Photo
An Inter Milan fan holds up a sign. The sign reads, ”Zanetti, make him a saint now”. Zanetti’s finale was also marked by a solitary fan running onto the pitch in the 90th minute to salute the man who has come to be simply known as ‘Il Capitano’. Alessandro Garofalo / Reuters
Inter Milan’s fans hold a banner which reads “JZ4 ever Thanks Captain”. “I’m crying inside with the thought of leaving these wonderful fans behind after so may years of wearing the shirt and playing as captain,” Zanetti said. Alessandro Garofalo / Reuters
“I’ve had an incredible career. The atmosphere here tonight was something special and will stay with me forever.”. Alessandro Garofalo / Reuters
There was drama before then as Lazio, one of several teams fighting for the Europa league, stunned the stadium into silence when Bruno Pereirinha’s cross was knocked down by Lorik Cana for unmarked Giuseppe Biava to bundle past Samir Handanovic in the Inter net. Alessandro Garofalo / Reuters
Inter were back on level terms five minutes later thanks to Rodrigo Palacio, took the lead through Mauro Icardi, left, on 34 minutes and then put the match virtually beyond all reach when Palacio completed his brace three minutes later. Alessandro Garofalo / Reuters
Inter now have a six-point lead on both Parma and Milan and, even if they finish on the same points as both or either club, have a better differential than both using the league’s qualifying criteria for the Europa League. Alessandro Garofalo / Reuters
A football fan wipes a tear after Inter Milan’s Argentinian defender Javier Zanetti greets fans. Olivier Morin / AFP Photo
Zanetti. Alessandro Garofalo / Reuters