In our countdown of the Top 20 Inter players in the last 20 years, we recognise title winning goalkeeper Francesco Toldo in 17th spot.
The legendary Inter keeper spent a total of 9 seasons at the club where he made a wonderful impact to Inter both on and off the field.
Let’s go a bit further into the career of Toldo.
Inter desperate for a goalkeeper!
Inter signed Toldo at a point where a great number 1 in goals was needed.
A couple of seasons earlier, Inter lost their famed goalkeeper Pagliuca, and as Pagliuca’s replacement brought in Peruzzi.
Peruzzi had a decent season, but Inter didn’t see him as a long term replacement as he was sold the year after. Sebastian Frey got his opportunity after being on loan at Hellas Verona, but didn’t really impress as he was forced to find a new club following the 2000/2001 season.
This is where Toldo’s Inter journey begins, as he signs from Fiorentina and takes the Numero Uno jersey at Inter. Going on to feature in 33 of the 34 Serie A games in his debut season at the club.
In this season, Toldo was spectacular as he notched up 13 clean sheets in Serie A. Inter would go on to lose the title on the final match day though. Unfortunately losing to Lazio which handed Juventus the Scudetto.
A match to remember –
The most famous match to remember Toldo by was the 2nd leg of the Champions League quarter final against Valencia. With Inter playing away after winning the first leg 1-0, Inter now headed to the Estadio El Madrigal.
The final score finishing 2-1 in Valencia’s favour, but Inter winning the tie on away goals. There was a period where Toldo saved 3 rapid shots in the space of 7 seconds which added to his absolutely phenomenal performance in this match.
During the match the Spanish pundits were renaming the stadium “La Plaza de Toldo”, as Toldo saved 12 of the 13 shots on target. Even though two goals were conceded, it really would’ve been 4 or 5 if Toldo wasn’t in goals.
This is the match where it was Toldo’s world, and everyone else was just living in it!
A true Inter legend!
Over the years, Inter have been absolutely blessed with fantastic goalkeepers and Toldo joins that elite company.
As mentioned earlier, Toldo spent a total of 9 season at the club. In that time, he won a Champions League, four Scudetti, five Coppa Italia and four Supercoppa Italiana.
During Toldo’s time at Inter, we never saw Inter finish outside of the top 4. In three seasons prior to Toldo, Inter finished 8th and three seasons after Toldo’s retirement, Inter finished 9th.
So it just shows the impact Toldo had both on the field and inside the dressing room too. Toldo always performed at the highest level, and he kept his number until his retirement.
With the signing of Julio Cesar, Cesar would go on to take Toldo’s spot as Inter’s first choice keeper. As a sign of respect to Toldo and his contribution to the club he never lost his number 1 jersey.
Who’s next?
We will be visiting number 16 next on our countdown. Who would you like to see in that number 16 spot for the Top 20 Inter players in the past 20 years?
As always Forza Inter!
