In the early 1960s, Inter Milan's training ground was equipped like 'a small hospital' due to the quantity of drugs available, according to a new book by Richard Fitzpatrick. Coach Helenio Herrera, known as 'HH', allegedly used youth-team players as 'guinea pigs' for his drug experiments, with amphetamines described as 'bombs' that gave players a 'real kick'.
Ferruccio Mazzola, a former Inter academy player, detailed the effects of the white tablets in his memoir. He reported hallucinations, shaking, and extreme fatigue lasting days. Players often tried to avoid taking the pills by hiding them under their tongues, but Herrera would dissolve them in coffee to ensure compliance. Refusing was not an option for young players fearing career repercussions.
The side-effects could be severe. In 1962, youth player Marcello Giusti took a pill before a reserve match and suffered a psychotic episode, climbing walls and drooling. After the game, he was left behind by the team bus, only catching up when traffic delayed the vehicle. Herrera reportedly showed no concern.
Doping controls were introduced in Serie A for the 1961-62 season but were easily circumvented. Teams used 'clean' urine from substitutes or hid vials in bathrobes to pass tests. For European competitions, there were no controls, and high prize money encouraged risk-taking. Inter sued Ferruccio Mazzola for libel in 2005 after his memoir exposed the practices, but he maintained that many top clubs were involved.
