Former Inter goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca believes that current Nerazzurri Number One Samir Handanovic is still a reliable option in goal and that the club should not be too hasty to replace him with Andre Onana.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, the 54-year-old gave his view that Ajax keeper Onana is a good option but that he is a risk to make the step up to Serie A and that Handanovic is still a strong keeper.
Handanovic is now 37, and the Nerazzurri are actively searching for a long-term replacement for the Slovenian, with Onana reportedly now their priority option and the process underway to bring him in on a free transfer next summer when his contract with the Dutch champions expires.
Handanovic came in for criticism after an error which caused his team to concede a goal against Hellas Verona, but Pagliuca believes that fans should not be too quick to judge the 37-year-old who he still rates as a reliable keeper.
Of the Scudetto race he said, “Inter are still the strongest for me, but the league is more even now. Milan, Naploli, Inter, Lazio, Roma, Juventus, these six teams will compete for it. I hope to see a good season, very balanced and that the best team wins.”
Regarding the goalkeeping situation at Inter he said, “Handanovic is no longer young though in my opinion he is still reliable. I know very little about Onana, I saw him play a few times in the Champions League. He put in some good performances, but the Italian championship is another matter. I would have opted for an Italian goalkeeper.”