When he was interviewed exclusively by our partner fcinternews.it the former Inter goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca talked about Inter, and in particular the transfer market, the current team and the two goalkeepers who represent the present and future of the club, Samir Handanovic and Francesco Bardi.
He is a legend in Italian football, he ranks third (behind Paolo Maldini and Javier Zanetti ) in number of appearances in Serie A, with Inter he made 165 league appearances, in addition to that he represented the Italian national team 39 times.
Will you attend the gathering of former Inter players this afternoon and accept the invitation of the incoming president Thohir’s invitation? You are, incidentally, a former player of both teams.
“Yes, I will be present.”
Walter Mazzarri’s team. How would you rate the first part of the season and the work of the former Napoli coach?
“I saw the team live in Bologna and I got a good impression. They created a great deal even if they didn’t get a victory. This year I think third place is a realistic goal. Regarding Mazzarri, I think he’s a good coach, Inter are in very good hands. They started from scratch after last season, and when you take on a situation like this is never easy.”
You were great in the position, what’s your impression of Inter’s number 1, Handanovic?
“The former Udinese player is one of the strongest goalkeepers we have, but at first I was a bit skeptical because I felt that Julio Cesar was still very reliable, but it was a decision that was made by looking at the economic side and hence the first goalkeeper was replaced.”
Is Bardi ready to take over the legacy of the Slovenian in the future?
“He’s a guy with a great future, a shame about the mistake against Inter but the experience of playing against the team that owns you may have influenced. He’s extremely serious and is doing very well in Livorno, mistakes can occur. Sometimes it happens even fo Buffon and Francesco is thus forgiven.”
A straight question. If the right offer were to come for Handanovic, would you approve a sale of the first goalie in favor of the under-21 goalkeeper?
“It depends primarily on the amount, it must be a super deal. Having said that, I think Thohir wants to keep the key players.”
Is Champions League an achievable goal?
“Absolutely. It won’t be easy because there are strong teams in front, but Inter can strive for that goal, perhaps with the help of a few wins in a row.”
The transfer market. What would Pagliuca do in January?
“Something must be done, especially in defense and attack. But Mazzarri, along with the directors and transfer men, will choose the best.”
Finally, what is your best memory from his time as goalkeeper for Inter?
“Hoisting the UEFA Cup as captain, in Paris in 1998, no doubt.”
Source: fcinternews.it
