Legendary former Inter goalkeeper Walter Zenga has given his thoughts on the perception that Nerazzurri captain Samir Handanovic is error-prone following a few costly mistake last season.

Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in yesterday’s print edition, the 61-year-old emphasized the quality of the Slovenian keeper, reminding fans that a few errors are inevitable and do not erase all the good work done by a keeper like Handanovic.

Zenga made 328 Serie A appearances for the Nerazzurri through the 1980s and early 1990s, winning Serie A once, and last season Handanovic nearly mirrored the Italian’s accomplishments by getting his hands on the Scudetto for the first time while officially passing Zenga in terms of Serie A appearances for Inter, bringing his total up to 329.

Zenga is a fan of the 37-year-old, and is happy to defend his status and his contributions to the club regardless of the occasional mistake.

“Let’s start from a premise,” he explained, “there is no goalkeeper who never makes a mistake. Of course, the moments in which mistakes or great saves are made affect the outcomes.”

However, he stressed that “Continuity of performance is the main quality. [Juventus keeper Wojcjech] Szczesny, for example, is a reliable goalkeeper, he gives the team peace of mind and security.”

“It’s the same with Handanovic,” he said, “I smile when I hear that he is good in goal.

“And where should a goalkeeper be good? The criticisms are there and always will be – they are part of the game. But a coach evaluates many things, not just saves or mistakes.”