The current Inter continued its increasingly frustrating run without a league title, which had stretched since their last Serie A triumph in 1988–89 under Giovanni Trapattoni, led by the German trio Matthäus, Brehme, and Klinsmann.
By the 1995–96 season, Roy Hodgson, an Englishman managing a powerhouse like Inter in Italy, had made quite a name for himself. He guided his Inter side — featuring Youri Djorkaeff and Paul Ince — to the 1997 UEFA Cup Final, where they faced Schalke 04.
However, the German underdogs won the final in Milan on penalties. Frustrated Inter fans pelted Hodgson with coins and lighters. The final turned out to be his last match in charge, as he subsequently left to become manager of Blackburn Rovers.
"I don't know why he didn't stay here, but if that's what he wants to do, I won't stand in his way," said Massimo Moratti with a shrug.
Inter had done their best by offering him a new contract, but the English coach allowed his deal with the club to run out.
