Inter carried the unwanted tag of August champions among rival fans, who mocked the expectations that had been built up in the summer transfer market and invariably fizzled out by the time silverware was at stake in May.
That the forward had avoided punishment after appearing to headbutt Materazzi early on only added to Inter's fury, with fans also believing they should have had a penalty.
Milan had knocked Inter out of the competition two years earlier on away goals, despite both semi-final legs ending in a draw at the San Siro.
Heading into their home leg at the San Siro, Inter's fans were still buoyant and hopeful of a comeback.
Materazzi was nicknamed something like a butcher; he is not really a gentle player.
Milan went on to beat Juventus on penalties in the final at Old Trafford.
Stam and Shevchenko had given Milan a two-goal advantage in the first leg.
Rui Costa was the opposite - more gentle, more artistic in his football.
Inter, meanwhile, had spent lavishly to try and compete with Milan and Juventus.
For several seconds Materazzi put his elbow on the shoulder of Rui Costa.