# AC Milan v Inter and the tale of an iconic image

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/ac-milan-v-inter-and-the-tale-of-an-iconic-image/
- Published: 2026-10-31T06:44:38+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T07:08:49+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cq99zlpzm87ro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Americas, Sport, World

## Key points

- A single photograph became a symbol of the Milan derby.
- The 2005 match was abandoned after objects and flares hit the pitch.
- Milan were awarded the tie while leading 3-0 on aggregate.

## Summary

Photographer Stefano Rellandini’s image of Inter defender Marco Materazzi resting an elbow on AC Milan’s Rui Costa has become a defining picture of the Milan derby. It was taken during a chaotic 2005 Champions League quarter-final second leg, capturing a brief still moment amid flares and smoke as the match was abandoned.

The referee stopped the game after Inter supporters threw flares and other objects on to the pitch, and Milan goalkeeper Dida was struck and injured. Milan were leading 3-0 on aggregate, and the tie was awarded to them. Rellandini says he saw the contrasting players near the centre of the pitch and captured the moment in a single frame; the rivalry had also been sharpened by Milan’s previous success against Inter and the clubs’ competition for major honours.

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