Nations League draw in Nyon today
22 November 2024
"A great save is like scoring a goal!" On Vivo Azzurro TV, Guglielmo Vicario shares his dreams and ambitions
In an interview with the FIGC's OTT platform, the national team goalkeeper discussed his journey from the lower leagues to the Premier League, stating, "I want to participate in the next World Cup"Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Born in a land of wines and goalkeepers, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Guglielmo Vicario follows in the footsteps of legends like Dino Zoff and his fellow Azzurri teammates, Alex Meret and Ivan Provedel. Much like Amarone della Valpolicella, which improves with age, Vicario has flourished after years in the lower leagues, reaching the pinnacle of his career by keeping goal for Tottenham and the national team.
"My career started from the bottom, from the interregional leagues", he shared in an interview with Vivo Azzurro TV during the national team's latest training camp in Coverciano. "I embarked on a journey that allowed me to gradually climb every step, all the way to Serie A. Moving to the Premier League was the culmination of a dream. I chose to take on a different life and cultural challenge, stepping out of what was my comfort zone".
Vicario by name and nature, he finds himself competing for a spot in the national team against a legendary figure like Gigio Donnarumma. However, when his moment arrived last March, he was ready, making his debut with a victory in a friendly match in the States against Ecuador. Having the support of one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time is a significant advantage: “As a child, I went to bed wearing Buffon’s shirt. Having him with us every day is an emotion that's hard to describe. The national team is the dream we grow up with as kids, it's wonderful to travel around Europe and the world with Italy’s badge on my chest. I hope to continue being part of this group and participate in the 2026 World Cup”.
After being called up for EURO 2024, Vicario now needs to convince Luciano Spalletti to grant him the chance to experience the thrill of the World Cup. But first, there's qualification to secure: “The relationship between the coach and the team must be one of great harmony. We need to stay united and do what the coach asks us to do during the training camps”.
Celebrating after a crucial save is perfectly valid. After all, who says only strikers should celebrate? “I would love to compare the joy of a save to that of scoring a goal. For me, it’s the same, especially when it happens in a critical moment that saves a vital result”.
