Walter Zenga has sung the praises of Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic and set the Slovenian a challenge for the remainder of his Nerazzurri career.
Handanovic, who tested positive for COVID-19 last Wednesday, has turned his season around in recent weeks after an unconvincing start to his 2020-21 campaign.
The 36-year-old has made 319 appearances in Serie A and is nine away from reaching Zenga’s tally in Inter’s all-time appearance list.
In an interview for Monday’s print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, Zenga said: “Records are made to be beaten and if it’s Samir who does it then I’ll be happy.
“If you play this many games for Inter it means you’ve maintained an exceptional level of consistency in your performances.
“If anything I hope Handanovic beats my record for the number of clean sheets in Europe, which is 35 games.”
Zenga made 473 appearances in all competitions for Inter, during a 12-year spell between 1982 and 1994.
Before moving on to join Sampdoria, L’Uomo Ragno helped the Nerazzurri to win the Serie A title in 1989 and two UEFA Cup titles in 1991 and 1994.
Zenga, who most recently coached Cagliari at the end of last season, also won the 1989 Supercoppa Italiana under Giovanni Trapattoni.
He has also had spells in charge of Venezia, Crotone, Catania and Sampdoria in Italy.
During his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Zenga also spoke about Inter’s chances of winning the Serie A title and Romelu Lukaku’s scintillating form.
