11 - INTER XMAS ADVENT CALENDAR: GIANLUCA PAGLIUCA

«I played in ten in Serie A and never lost, I’m proud of that. It makes me very proud to be remembered for being undefeated in the #DerbyMilano».

It’s not easy to follow on from someone like Walter Zenga. Gianluca Pagliuca joined Inter in the summer of 1994, just after missing out on his dream of lifting the World Cup with Italy, ending up in tears in Pasadena following the shootout loss to Brazil. He had to go in the goal that had belonged to the Uomo Ragno for twelve years. Pagliuca spent five seasons with the Nerazzurri. He was celebrated for his diving stops and explosiveness. An extraordinary goalkeeper, he was the perfect figure to continue to tradition of Inter’s number ones.  

Reliable and with quick reactions and a great character, Pagliuca perfectly represented the Nerazzurri’s values and also wore the captain’s armband as a result. With Bergomi in the twilight of his career, Ronaldo a new signing and Zanetti still yet to fully emerge, the goalkeeper also wore the armband on the most important day: the UEFA Cup final in Paris in 1998. He lifted the trophy after what turned out to be a proud and joyous day for the Nerazzurri. 

After five seasons with Inter, one bit of trivia is particularly sweet. He played in the #DerbyMilano ten times in the league and never lost once, featuring in four wins and six draws. The 3-1 on 15 April 1995 remains unforgettable. It was the game that included the famous Berti shot that hit the bar before rebounding in off the back of Rossi. Then, there was the 0-3 win with Simeone and Ronaldo goals. Wins and matches that live on in Pagliuca’s heart as he proudly looks back on his unbeaten record in the #DerbyMilano in the league.