The Calcio Blog

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The best Goalkeepers that Serie A has ever seen?

Goalkeeper is probably, arguably the most important position on the pitch. And I know I’m biased in saying that, as it was my position when I still had hair and could get up off the floor after making a save. But in reality, if you don’t have a good goalkeeper you aren’t winning anything. Goalkeepers are often called mad, and you have to be to throw yourself at the feet of someone baring down on goal. For me, the annoying thing was that everyone on the pitch thought they were a keeper, they all had advice for you, despite never playing there themselves.

Before this turns into a rant though, let’s get back on track. Italy has produced some truly magnificent goalkeepers, and Serie A has played host to some of the greatest of all time from around the World. So, who was the best? I’ve selected a few of my favourites, without ranking who was best out of them. In no particular order, here are my favourites…

Gianluigi Buffon

“Buffon is the best goalkeeper I’ve ever seen, the only one who was never afraid of anything.” – Fabio Capello

Gianluigi Buffon has the most clean sheets in Serie A history

Gianluigi Buffon was just 12 years old when he decided that he didn’t want to play in midfield anymore and became a goalkeeper. Five years later he was making his Parma debut against Milan and keeping a clean sheet.

During his career Buffon would hold the World Record for most expensive goalkeeper (€52m) until recently, win 10 Serie A titles, 5 Coppa Italia, a World Cup and would be 3 times UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year. Comfortable in the air, with elite reflexes and great positional awareness, Buffon still holds the Serie A record for most clean sheets in Serie A with 296 and was once unbeaten in the goal for 974 consecutive minutes.

Was there anyone better?

Dino Zoff

“If you ask me who was the greatest, I say Zoff. He was not flashy, but you knew the goal was safe with him.” – Gianni Rivera

Dino Zoff made over 600 appearances in Serie A

Staying on the Juve theme with one of the other great Italian goalkeepers. Zoff actually made over 300 appearances for Udinese, Mantova and Napoli before joining and defining Juve. He would win 6 Scudetti and 2 Coppa Italia along with the World Cup (the oldest player to do so), before going into management where he would lead Juventus to the UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia titles in 1990.

He still holds the record for the longest consecutive run in Azzurri history without conceding, lasting 1,142 minutes in the early seventies. Zoff is the archetype of the classic Italian goalkeeper: composed, understated, and unbelievably reliable. Known for his leadership and calmness, he commanded his defence with supreme authority.

Walter Zenga

“Walter was a phenomenon – he could change the mood of a stadium with one save.” – Giuseppe Bergomi

Zenga conceded just twice in seven matches at Italia 90

Walter Zenga was nicknamed Spiderman because of his agility and spectacular reflex saves. For three consecutive years, he was IFFHS World Goalkeeper of the Year. He played 328 times in Serie A and was a UEFA Cup winner with Inter and represented the Azzurri 58 times.

Zenga combined flamboyance with athleticism. He was known for his dramatic saves and passion on the pitch. He was also renowned for his passion off the pitch, fathering 5 children over three marriages including two marriages to TV personalities. He has gone on to have a rather nomadic managerial career while still being a showbiz personality in Italy. Despite the off-field shenanigans, Zenga is remembered as an all time great of the game by Inter, Sampdoria and Azzurri fans alike.

Angelo Peruzzi

“He wasn’t just a wall — he was a mountain.” – Marcello Lippi

Peruzzi won the Champions League while at Juventus

In 478 appearances in Serie A, Peruzzi represented some of the biggest teams and most bitter rivals. He played for Roma and Lazio as well as both Juventus and Inter. To pull this off you need to be good, and Peruzzi was VERY good. He was short for a goalkeeper, under 6 foot, but that low centre of gravity gave him great reflexes and shot stopping skills.

Peruzzi would win 3 Serie A titles, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup during his career as well as 31 caps for Italy. He would also add a World Cup winners medal in 2006, despite never taking to the field. Peruzzi would retire from football in 2007.

Sebastiano Rossi

“He was always part of that Milan machine – ruthless, efficient, unbeatable.” – Arrigo Sacchi

Sebastiano Rossi was part of the “Dream Team” of Milan in the 1990s

Rossi joined his home town club Cesena at the age of 15 and was their first choice goalkeeper by the age of 22 after several loan spells. After his first season in Italy’s top flight, the giants of AC Milan came calling and after initially battling with Francesco Antonioli for the starting spot, he made it his own and would play over 340 games in Serie A, winning 5 Scudetti, the 1994 Champions League and UEFA Super Cup.

He held the clean sheet record for 24 years until eventually losing it to Gianluigi Buffon. Rossi wasn’t considered the most stylish goalkeeper but was immensely effective in an all conquering side behind the legendary defence of Baresi, Maldini, Costacurta and Tassotti. Despite all this he was consistently overlooked by the Azzurri and never played for Italy.

Gianluca Pagliuca

“Pagliuca wasn’t afraid of anyone. He stared you down like he already knew you’d miss.” – Roberto Mancini

Gianluca Pagliuca played nearly 600 times in Serie A

One of the most consistent and agile Italian keepers of the 1990s, known for his intensity and acrobatics. Pagliuca played for the Sampdoria side that won the 1991 Scudetto and was playing in their narrow Champions League final defeat to Barcelona a year later.

After seven years and 198 games for Sampdoria, Inter paid a World Record fee for a goalkeeper of just €7m to bring the Italian to their club. Rather remarkably, during his time at Inter he only won the UEFA Cup and nothing else. He was a beaten finalist in the 1994 World Cup as Italy lost on penalties to Brazil. Ironically, he held the record for some years of most penalties saved in Serie A with 24, until that was broken by Samir Handanovic.

An Azzurri and Serie A legend, Pagliuca moved on from Inter to Bologna where he would spend seven seasons and play a massive 248 games before finishing his career with a season in Ascoli, retiring in 2007.

Summary

From the cat-like reflexes of Zenga to the steely composure of Zoff, and the longevity of Buffon to the penalty-saving prowess of Handanović, Serie A has long been a proving ground for the world’s greatest goalkeepers. These legends didn’t just stop shots—they shaped eras, lifted trophies, and became the last line of defence for some of Calcio’s most iconic sides. In a league famed for tactical discipline and defensive mastery, it’s no wonder that so many of the game’s finest stoppers have called Serie A home. As new stars emerge between the posts, their legacy serves as a benchmark—and an inspiration—for generations to come.

Let me know your favourites on X @EnglishCalcio

25th Jul 2025
The best ever kits from Serie A!!!

New kits are being “dropped” every day at the moment by the sides who’ll make up Serie A this season. There’s the new home kit, the away kit, the third kit, the special celebration third kit, the European away kit and the goalkeeper kit and at over €100 a time, it’s clear why teams do this.

And yet, what is wrong with them all? There’s very few I look at and think, “My word, take my money please”. As an Interista I’m very disappointed by this seasons crayon drawing away kit and the bizarre home stripes. Annoyingly, Milan’s away kit is a thing of beauty too.

But there was a time when Serie A kits were true works of art that were reminiscent of the renaissance artists of yesteryear. There’s a reason you’re more likely to see a classic retro effort in the Curva than the latest “effort”.

So what’s the best Italian kit of all time? I’ve made my choices, they’re below. Let me know what you think…

Inter Milan – 1989/90

I was always starting with Inter wasn’t I? This effort from the late 80s is a true masterpiece and puts the last few efforts to real shame. Inter finished third this season, but consistently win best kit compilations with this effort. Clean, simple and worn by the famous German trio of Brehme, Klinsmann and Matthaus it’s a lovely way to start…

Juventus – 1995/96

My word, this is a pure classic! They should’ve stopped designing Juventus kits here and just used this one consistently. And not just because they won the European Cup for the first time in 11 years. The Kappa creation, with the thinner stripes than we see today was complimented by the Sony sponsorship. Everything about this shirt works, give me this every season please!

Genoa – 1991/92

Genoa barely avoided relegation in 1992, but they should have been awarded an extra 5 points for this shirt alone. They did, however, reach the UEFA Cup Semi Final, narrowly avoiding an all Italian final by missing out to eventual winners Ajax. Torino knocked out Real Madrid, but that achievement means nothing when Genoa were rocking this simple classic.

Milan – 1988/89

Gullit. Van Basten. Rijkaard. Do you need any more than this? Ok fine, simple thin stripes, white shorts, total football – oh and a European Cup win. Just enjoy the kit.

Fiorentina – 1998/99

This might be my favourite shirt of all time. Not just in Italy. You don’t see many purple shirts in football but this just works. The Nintendo sponsorship is pure classic and the fact that it’s synonymous with Batigol just completes it. Great kit – 12/10

Perugia – 1999/00

Ok stick with me here. The dragon detailing on this kit is a fine addition. But let’s be honest, this is a slightly more English looking design than you’d get in Italy, almost reminds me of Charlton Athletic in these times. But Nakata running around in this shirt bring back fond memories. The kit makes it for that alone.

Roma – 2000/01

Any Scudetto kit is special for the team who won it, but this is a really smart kit. The classic collar, the orange trim, the Scudetto season, Francesco Totti and the start of the skin tight shirt era all made by Kappa. Pure. Italian. Gold.

Napoli – 1986/87

Diego Maradona won Napoli’s first Scudetto in this kit. I’m not saying anything else because that’s enough reason why this kit is great nostalgia. The Mars kit might be the more well known, but come on, look at that kit.

Torino – 1948/49

One of the greatest tragedies in Italian sport, the end of Grande Torino. It’s something to read about separately, this is a kit post. And that great team was characterised by this absolutely clean classic shirt. One colour, no sponsor, Scudetto on the chest, white colour. Perfection.

Lazio – 1999/00

Sven. Inzaghi. Salas. Scudetto. Lazio won the league with this kit, they also won the UEFA Super Cup and reached the Champions League Quarter Finals. Some utterly fantastic players wore this kit and the basic design along with classic Cirio sponsor make this an all time Serie A classic.

Honourable Mentions

So there were some efforts that were fantastic but didn’t quite make it. Rounds of applause to Parma in 1999, Sampdoria in 1992, Bologna in 1997 and any 90s effort from Bari please.

What do you think then? Are these the greatest kits of all time in Italy or have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments or comment on the X thread @EnglishCalcio.

11th Jul 2025
The Calcio Managerial Merry Go Round: Who, When and Why

We’re only a month on from the end of the 2024/25 season in Italy and already there’s more talking points that throughout most of the actual season. And the main one seems to be, who on Earth is going to be managing in Serie A next season?

Axes have been wielded, resignations have been handed in and managers have been caught flirting with rival clubs. So what’s going on? And what’s still to come? Hopefully I’ve made sense of it below for you…

Fiorentina

After being appointed in June last year to replace Vincenzo Italiano, Fiorentina manager Raffaele Palladino has left the club “by mutual consent”. There’s no replacement as yet, although Stefan Pioli is being heavily linked with the role according to Viola Nation. Seen by some as a stabilising influence, he’ll need to use all his experience to turn around a gradual decline in Firenze.

Atalanta

After 9 very successful years at the club, Gian Piero Gasperini has left Atalanta. During his time in Bergamo, Gasperini led Atalanta into the Champions League five times and his tenure was characterised by swashbuckling attacking play. He famously led the team to the 2024 Europa League title.

His replacement at Atalanta? It’s a baffling one… Ivan Juric has been handed the reigns in Northern Italy. That’s the same Ivan Juric that oversaw a disastrous spell in Rome last season before heading to England to somehow make Southampton worse than they already were – avoiding being the worst team in Premier League history by 1 point.

Roma

Gasperini comes through the door at Roma replacing firm fan favourite Claudio Ranieri. His move “upstairs” may be put on hold, however, with the news that Spalletti is leaving the national team job. Ranieri is the favourite to take the Azzurri through the rest of the World Cup qualifying campaign. Watch this space!

Lazio

Across the city and Roma’s great rivals Lazio have also had a change in the dugout after a rather underwhelming end to the season. A comeback draw at the San Siro to hand Napoli the Scudetto was a brief highlight in an otherwise forgettable season under Marco Baroni. He was dismissed and Maurizio Sarri is back after a 15 month hiatus. Sarri was announced in spectacular fashion by the media team at Lazio and the former banker will be chain smoking his way through next season with the hopes he can restore the Lazio empire.

AC Milan

In Italy’s second city, change is also afoot. For the second time in a season Milan sacked their manager after Fonseca didn’t see in 2025, Conceicao is now also gone. An underwhelming season all round, Conceicao paid the price for an 8th place finish and no European football next season after a Coppa Italia final defeat. However, brief respite was offered in the shape of a 3-2 defeat of city rivals Inter in the Supercoppa final.

Allegri returns to Milan for next season after a break from the game following a trophy-laden spell at Juventus. In his first spell at Milan, he won the Serie A title and Supercoppa, Milan certainly hope he can repeat that next season.

Inter Milan

So near, yet so far to a treble. Dumped out of the Coppa Italia in the semi finals by Milan, beaten in the Supercoppa final, trounced in the Champions League final and second to Napoli by a point. Inter’s season could broadly be viewed as fairly successful until April. Simone Inzaghi was in demand from Al-Hilal and the news breaking in the run up to the final didn’t help their preparation.

A mutual parting followed a 5-0 defeat from PSG. Inter acted swiftly to woo Cesc Fabregas who promptly turned them down in a rather embarrassing episode. Christian Chivu is the man to take them forward. Their former centre back was manager of the Under 19 team who won the Primavera before being installed at Parma to secure Serie A survival. It’s a gamble, but Inter weren’t left with much choice with the Club World Cup on the horizon.

Torino

Further down the table, Torino parted company with Paolo Vanoli and replaced him almost immediately with Marco Baroni following his sacking by Lazio.

Parma

Parma only confirmed today that Christian Chivu had left the club after only a few short months. He replaced Fabio Pecchia in February and had the brief to save the club from an immediate return to Serie B. He did it, and then left for Inter. Rumours about a replacement are few and far between, but they’ll need to act fast to avoid losing out in the summer transfer window.

Italy National Team

In true bizarre fashion, national team manager Luciano Spalletti announced his own sacking in a press conference after a 3-0 defeat in Norway. But he’s not going anywhere yet… He’s managing the team tonight against Moldova before finally leaving. Clear? Thought not. Ranieri is the favourite to replace him since Calcio has some clear agenda on letting the poor guy retire in peace.

And there you have it. It’s been a matter of weeks since Serie A finished and the soap opera continues. Honourable mention to Juventus who look set to appoint Igor Tudor permanently after he finished off the season Thiago Motta started. Who do you think is the best appointment? Who’s undersold themselves and Who just got it plain wrong?

9th Jun 2025
Seven things to look out for in Calcio this week.
1. The Azzurri Coach Saga: Spalletti’s Swansong

In a dramatic turn, Luciano Spalletti has been sacked after Italy’s embarrassing 3–0 defeat to Norway and a poor start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. He’ll still lead the team one more time, though—against Moldova on Monday—before stepping down.

2. Pioli or Ranieri? FIGC’s Next Head Coach Dilemma

Who steps into the Azzurri hot seat next? The Italian FA (FIGC) is torn between Claudio Ranieri—fresh off a Roma renaissance and desperate enough to postpone retirement—and Stefano Pioli, still basking in his Milan fame.

3. Chelsea Tries Club World Cup Heist on Maignan

AC Milan’s top-class keeper Mike Maignan is being eyed by Chelsea—who’ve made an emergency bid in hopes of registering him in time for the Club World Cup next week. Milan are lining up Roma’s Mile Svilar as a replacement. Classic mercato drama: massive tournament, ticking deadline, and goalkeeping musical chairs.

4. Italian Representation at Club World Cup

Speaking of the competition, Inter Milan have confirmed their participation, with a tough group including Monterrey, Urawa Red Diamonds and River Plate. And Inter will debut a new coach—with Cristian Chivu taking the reins. Meanwhile Juventus’ run will hinge on whether interim boss Igor Tudor impresses enough to earn the gig permanently. Expect some epic comebacks… or meltdowns.

5. Transfer Talk: Chalobah to Napoli, Svilar to Milan

Napoli are prioritizing Chelsea’s English defender Trevoh Chalobah to bolster Antonio Conte’s defence. At the same time, AC Milan are edging closer to bringing in Luka Modric, expect movement when the international duty ends. Napoli are also closely linked to Alejandro Garnacho and Jack Grealish – watch these closely over the next weeks.

6. Managerial Chairs Spinning Across Serie A

Atalanta have officially announced Ivan Juric as Gasperini’s successor after the legendary coach moved to Roma. Roma, in turn, confirm Gasperini on a three-year deal . Inter confirmed Chivu from Parma and Lazio have also re-hired Maurizio Sarri, one year after his departure, just in time to plan their summer transfer binge. It’s raining gaffer changes in Italy… umbrellas optional.

7. Season Wrap & Azzurri Warm-Up

We’re still raw from Napoli’s Scudetto triumph and Inter’s crushing Champions League final loss, capped by Simone Inzaghi’s departure. Now, the Azzurri need a lift ahead of the Moldova game—ideal for one last rally (or epic meltdown) before sweeping the coach saga under the rug. Let’s just hope they’ve practiced their goal celebrations.

Why It Matters

This week is pure Italian football theatre:
- National team in turmoil = big story.
- Transfers and coaching swaps will set next season’s tone.
- Club World Cup puts Italian clubs on global display.
- All against the backdrop of season-end fatigue and summer sizzle.
Brace yourself for press-room drama, comedic transfer photos, and hopefully some actual… you know… goals.

What are you most excited about? The national team drama, the managerial musical chairs, or who ends up playing keeper for Milan?
9th Jun 2025
What’s happening in Calcio this week?

It’s Monday, so there’s a whole week of the soap opera about to begin. Below is our top ten list of things to look out for happening this week.

1. Serie A Fixture Release – Friday, June 6

Grab your espresso and mark the date—this Friday, the 2025/26 Serie A calendar drops. Fans are praying for a soft opening fixture. Clubs are crossing fingers to avoid an away trip to Bergamo in Week 1. And somewhere in Milan, Allegri is plotting a 1-0 already.

2. Serie C Play-Offs – Semi-Final Stage

It’s chaos, it’s passion, it’s Serie C. Ternana and Pescara will fight it out in the final for a golden ticket to Serie B. Expect drama, flares, debates, and at least one 90th-minute winner to shake things up over the two legs tonight and Saturday.

3. Maurizio Sarri Back at Lazio

Yes, you read that right—he’s back. Maurizio Sarri returns to Lazio just 15 months after quitting. Apparently, absence does make the heart grow fonder (or the board ran out of options). Two-year deal, one big reset button. Get the cigarettes and 4-3-3s ready.

4. Allegri Returns to Milan

AC Milan have turned back the clock and hired Max Allegri. He’s promised structure, pragmatism, and probably a very annoyed Rafael Leão being told to track back more. Milan want trophies. Allegri wants another coat. Let’s see who gets what first.

5. Gasperini Leaves Atalanta

After nine iconic years, Gian Piero Gasperini has waved goodbye to Atalanta and is set to join Roma. One Europa League trophy, countless 3-4-2-1s, and more underdog wins than a Rocky film series. Replacing him? Not so easy. The next coach better love wingbacks.

6. Special Serie A Transfer Window (June 1–10)

A unique transfer window opened on June 1 for clubs preparing for the FIFA Club World Cup. Deals can be registered until June 10. It’s like Black Friday for sporting directors—but with more agents and fewer refunds.

7. Davide Frattesi Transfer Rumours Heat Up

After a Champions League final cameo that never materialised, Frattesi is being linked with a move away from Inter. Juventus, Roma, and even some cheeky Premier League clubs are sniffing around. Inter might sell—but only if the price makes Oaktree raise an eyebrow. Watch this space—and Frattesi’s Instagram stories.

8. AC Milan Push for Samuele Ricci

With Allegri back and reportedly craving a Ricci-type in midfield, Milan are stepping up talks with Torino for the Italian starlet. At this point, Ricci may just walk to Milanello himself to get it over with.

9. Napoli Trademark “McFratm”

In what might be the most Napoli move ever, the club has filed a trademark on Scott McTominay’s nickname “McFratm.” He’s the city’s new cult hero, and merchandising execs are already dreaming up beach towels. All that’s missing is a line of limited edition Limoncello.

10. Juventus’ New Tudor Era Maybe Begins

With Thiago Motta drama behind them (for now), Juventus moved forward under Igor Tudor. The Croatian is a disciplinarian who doesn’t mind upsetting a few stars. Think of him as the anti-Allegri—except with just as much tactical tinkering and slightly better hair, and they look set to make his temporary stay a permanent one.

That’s your Italian football week ahead: part soap opera, part tactical chess, part transfer market circus. And it’s only Monday.

2nd Jun 2025