Guglielmo Vicario jumps to catch the ball while warming up
Guglielmo Vicario jumps to catch the ball while warming up
Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Former Juventus shot-stopper Emanuele Belardi believes it is worth the Bianconeri making Tottenham Hotspur loanee Guglielmo Vicario’s move permanent.
The 30-year-old has enjoyed an encouraging loan spell so far with the Old Lady, putting his difficult period in north London behind him.
Vicario has recorded three clean sheets in six Serie A appearances while conceding just five goals, with Juventus ranking among the league’s tightest defences.
Add Inside Futbol as a preferred source on Google.
It was recently suggested that Vicario could prove a bargain acquisition for Juventus, given the relatively modest figure attached to their option to sign him permanently.
The Bianconeri can secure his services for just €8m under the terms of the loan agreement, with indications already emerging that retaining the Italian is firmly on the club’s agenda.
Juventus legend Claudio Marchisio recently praised Vicario as a valuable addition to the Old Lady squad.
Now, Belardi has lauded Vicario for proving himself to be a reliable goalkeeper in Turin and backed Juventus to secure his services on a permanent basis.
Italian star
Federico Gatti Manuel Locatelli
Jeff Ekhator Andrea Cambiaso
Carlo Pinsoglio Daniele Rugani
Guglielmo Vicario
Belardi told Italian outlet Tutto Juve when asked whether Vicario is worth signing permanently: “Even if he’s no Buffon or Peruzzi, I’d say yes.
“He’s a good goalkeeper and is proving to be very reliable.”
The Bianconeri’s next assignment comes against Celta Vigo in the Europa League on Thursday.
Vicario was left on the bench for Juventus’ opening Europa League fixture, with Kamil Grabara instead handed the starting role between the posts.
However, Grabara is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an ACL injury, potentially opening the door for Vicario to make his European debut in Juventus colours on Thursday.
Meanwhile, back in north London, Roberto De Zerbi’s side are still searching for their first Premier League win after settling for a draw against Manchester United on Saturday.