Former Inter goalkeeper Tommaso Berni beleives that the Nerazzurri should continue to rely on captain Samir Handanovic in goal.

Speaking to Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport in an interview published in today’s print edition, Berni praised the 37-year-old from his experience working together with him, and backed him to continue to have an important role even after the arrival of Andre Onana.

Handanovic has remained the Nerazzurri’s undisputed first-choice keeper in his tenth season at the club, though with the Slovenian turning 38 next summer the club are starting to consider how they will move on without him.

Ajax keeper Onana has already completed his medicals for a move to the club in the summer on a free transfer, and the 25-year-old is expected to be the successor to Handanovic in the long term.

However, Berni believes that the Nerazzurri should not be too hasty about moving on from their captain.

“I’m of the opinion that Samir will play past the age of 40,'” he said. “He’s an incredibly professional goalkeeper. He takes care of every little detail – rest, nutrition, studying opponents.”

“I have seen few athletes so meticulous,” he went on. “Physically he has never had any real problems, he has an incredible physique and fitness.”

Berni continued that “He is someone who saves many points for the team every season. Under Mancini he seemed to produce five miracle saves per game, today at 37 he still makes the difference.”

“For me he is among the top five keepers in the world,” he emphasized.

Of the comparison between Handanovic and Onana, Berni stated that “I always choose Samir, even if I don’t know the Cameroonian on a personal level.”

“Handanovic will fight for his position,” he added, “Surely he’s not the kind of keeper who will just act as the backup while the new player settles in. He looks to be in too good shape to me to do this, and he is also the captain.”