Inter’s Samir Handanovic was the best goalkeeper in Serie A last season, according to the Nerazzurri’s former shot-stopper Gianluca Pagliuca.
Handanovic kept 17 clean sheets as Luciano Spalletti’s side secured Champions League qualification by the skin of their teeth, rubber-stamping fourth place with a last-day win over Empoli.
The Serbian took over captaincy duties in February when Mauro Icardi was stripped of the armband and was thought by many to have played his best season since joining the club.
“Handanovic was an insurance for Inter last season,” Pagliuca told Gazzetta dello Sport today.
The 52-year-old made more than 200 appearances for Inter during the 1990s, helping the club win the UEFA Cup in 1998.
Pagliuca also had some words of advice for Gianluigi Buffon, describing the Italian as the greatest goalkeeper of the new millennium.
“He’s been the most consistent and complete keeper,” Pagliuca assured.
“He’s won the most and he’s always picked himself back up after difficult moments. As a friend I would advise him to respect the career he’s had and retire now, because continuing to play would be a risk.”
