The photograph that captured the chaos of the Milan derby

A photograph of AC Milan’s Rui Costa and Inter defender Marco Materazzi, captured amid the chaos of their abandoned 2005 Champions League quarter-final, has become an enduring image of the city rivals’ fierce derby.

Photographer Stefano Rellandini told BBC Sport he took just one frame of the moment, as Materazzi rested an elbow on Costa’s shoulder and the players watched smoke and flares fill the San Siro. “I saw a certain moment,” he said. “So when I saw that, I shot it.”

The picture was made during the second leg of the quarter-final, which was abandoned after flares and other objects were thrown on to the pitch by Inter supporters. One flare struck Milan goalkeeper Dida, who was treated for burns to his shoulder. The tie was awarded to Milan, who were leading 3-0 on aggregate when play stopped.

The flashpoint came after Inter’s Esteban Cambiasso appeared to score, but the goal was disallowed because Julio Cruz was judged to have fouled Dida. Inter supporters then threw flares and objects on to the pitch. The match was halted for around half an hour before the referee abandoned it when the disturbances continued.

The derby carried sporting and local significance. Milan had eliminated Inter in the 2003 Champions League semi-final and went into the 2004-05 season as Italian champions. Inter had invested heavily in new players but had not won a major trophy during that period.

Milan went on to reach the 2005 final, losing to Liverpool on penalties after surrendering a three-goal lead. Two years later they beat Liverpool in the final. Inter, meanwhile, won four consecutive Serie A titles from 2006 and completed a treble under José Mourinho in 2009-10.

The latest Milan derby is scheduled for Saturday, 31 October, with BBC Two and iPlayer set to show the match live.