Tottenham Hotspur may have faced a significantly more challenging time getting Guglielmo Vicario through the door if Inter Milan had moved a bit sooner.
Empoli president Fabrizio Corsi claims that Inter just waited too long to sign the gifted Italian as a replacement for Andre Onana, who was set to join Manchester United. Vicario, on the other hand, signed a £17 million contract to transfer to North London.
Vicario, who is arguably the finest goalkeeper in Italy in 2022–2023, has been a big factor in Spurs’ incredible start to the English Premier League under Ange Postecoglou, particularly before the losses to Chelsea and Wolves.
A player of his caliber leaving his native country for a fresh experience in a new league also somewhat disappoints Semplici, who was Vicario’s coach at Cagliari a few years ago.
Guglielmo Vicario making a lasting impression at Spurs
Vicario’s abilities were immediately apparent when I handed him his Cagliari debut. However, I must admit that he also caught me off guard,” Semplici says to Calciomercato. “He has accomplished a lot and deserves this opportunity to play in the Premier League.
“An Italian squad would have been my first choice, but the market is, regrettably, wide open. What counts is that he’s having fun on this experience with such a fantastic team as Tottenham, and I hope he can keep it up.
“I’m happy to see him associated with the national team as well.”
A £17 million bargain
Vicario is yet to make his Italy bow but that could soon change. The 27-year-old is a regular in the Azzurri squad these days, called up again by former Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti for the November internationals.