Italy’s Rising Star: Guglielmo Vicario

A Goalkeeper Like No Other

In the world of football, there are players who capture hearts and leave a lasting impression. One such player is Guglielmo Vicario, the rising star goalkeeper from Italy. But his journey to success was not without its fair share of perplexities and discontinuities.

The Scouting Mastermind – Fabio Paratici

Fabio Paratici, the ex-sporting director of Tottenham Hotspur, has always been known for his exceptional talent identification skills. And when it came to signing Vicario, he saw something special in him that others may have overlooked.

“Scouting the man as well as the player is crucial,” Paratici emphasized during our conversation. “Understanding who he is off the pitch helps us predict how well he will integrate into the squad.”

A Humble Talented Goalkeeper

Vicario’s former coach at Empoli, Paolo Zanetti, describes him as one of the top three goalkeepers in terms of skill. But what truly sets him apart is his humility.

In an interview with Vogue Italia magazine, Vicario revealed that his nickname “Tegoina” was given by fans during his time at Venezia because of his tall and wiry frame. He embraced this nickname and used it as motivation to improve his physique and athleticism.

A Man of Compassion

During his time at Perugia, Vicario formed a special bond with the fans. When the Covid pandemic hit, he went above and beyond to make personal phone calls to season ticket holders, even reassuring an elderly husband that it was indeed him, the Perugia goalie.

An Unforgettable Season at Empoli

In 2021, Vicario got the opportunity to play as a starter in Serie A for Empoli. Under coach Aurelio Andreazzoli’s guidance, he honed his ball-playing abilities and became a near-complete goalkeeper.

Last season, Vicario showcased his exceptional skills with a remarkable triple save against Roma that left Jose Mourinho stunned. Technique, instinct, positioning – he had it all!

Inspired by Legends

Vicario draws inspiration from goalkeeping legends such as Samir Handonovic and Thibaut Courtois. He admires their communication skills and considers Courtois as currently the best goalkeeper in the world.

But there is one legend who holds a special place in Vicario’s heart – Gianluigi Buffon. Even today when he goes home to Udine, he sleeps wearing Buffon’s shirt.

The Future Looks Bright

Guglielmo “Venom” Vicario has come a long way from being called “Tegoina.” With each experience shaping him into a better version of himself both on and off the pitch, Italy has found its rising star goalkeeper who continues to perplex opponents with his incredible saves and inspire fans with his compassion.