Fans thought of 1987 as a year zero, hoping in a revival from the club.[1]Trapattoni managed to avoid the departures of Altobelli and Zenga[2] while Nobile and Scifo arrived, in add to a return for Serena.[3] Initial results were poor: Inter passed the preliminary stage of the Coppa Italia only due to goal difference, after have finished 4 out of 5 games from penalty spot (with an equal number of wins and losses).[4][5]Rummenigge left Milan days before Italian league could start[6] with a home loss (0–2) against Pescara, who gained his first win in Serie A on Inter's soil.[7]
The side collected a goalless draw in the UEFA Cup with Beşiktaş,[8] then beaten (3–1) in return match.[9] The next continental opponent was Turun Palloseura, able to win at the San Siro with a single goal.[10] After a 2–1 success over Juventus signed by Serena (former Bianconeri player),[11] Inter also won the second leg.[12] Inter was knocked out in the round of 16 by Espanyol[13] with a 2–1 aggregate.[14][15] Trapattoni's team managed to reach the semifinal of the domestic cup,[16][17][18] but lost to Sampdoria.[19][20] The Italian league, marked by losses in both citizen derbies, ended with a fifth place useful to get qualification for the UEFA Cup next season.[21]
