Alex Cordaz: going full circle

Being born on 1 January means having a number in your destiny, a number that will stay with you for life. And this especially applies if you’re a footballer or, more specifically, a goalkeeper by profession. For Alex Cordaz, from Vittorio Veneto, the circle started to be traced when he played in that thankless role between the sticks as a child.

Dedication, character and the desire to pursue one’s dreams. In Alex Cordaz’s case, as he chased his dreams, his journey took on two colours: black and blue. In 1999, he joined Inter’s Youth Sector and went on to enjoy success, winning the 2002 Viareggio Cup and the 2001/02 Primavera Scudetto as part of a team that featured Obafemi Martins and Goran Pandev.

On 4 February 2004, Cordaz’s circle really started to take shape, with Inter involved in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia. Francesco Toldo saw red and, 19 minutes into the second half, Alex came on with the number 71 on his back, replacing Alvaro Recoba. That was his Nerazzurri debut, and it came against Juventus. It remains the only appearance that Alex Cordaz has made in the Inter shirt. 26 minutes plus stoppage time, one goal conceded (Marco Di Vaio found the net against him), a yellow card and a 2-2 draw in Turin.

Spezia, Acireale, Pizzighettone, Treviso, Lugano, Cittadella, Gorica, Parma and Crotone: Cordaz’s career has taken him to various clubs. The time spent with the latter of them was his most significant experience. Indeed, with the Calabrian side, he enjoyed two promotions to Serie A, helped them avoid relegation in 2016/17 and made 110 appearances in the Italian top flight. 

Now, the moment has arrived to complete the circle in those same colours that have been there from the beginning: black and blue. 17 years have passed since that Juventus vs. Inter showdown; Cordaz is once again ready to put on the Nerazzurri shirt over his goalie gloves.