"A double appointment that is part of my personal history: I played 8 years in Fiorentina, 9 in Inter, almost all my career. I know how much affection Inter and Fiorentina fans feel for their teams. Participating in a final is a dream, now we have to face them in the best way". So Francesco Toldo, former goalkeeper of Inter and Fiorentina, the two Italians engaged in the week in the two European finals, guest of Radio Anch'io Sport.
"We all watched City's game against Real, it impressed us. It looked like Guardiola's Barcelona: phrasing, ball possession, initiatives. The variable is Inter: it's not a normal team, it's unpredictable. Among the teams that City could face, the worst is Inter: they have the chance to hurt vertically, they have muscles, in attack they are always on the piece and they have also fixed the defense. The criticism that Inzaghi suffered matured him, he was an elegant coach who did not react instinctively, he treasured the criticism and grew. For the express game, City are the favourites, but nothing to take away from Inter, who deservedly reached the final. And then there is great synergy between team and public. The positive thing is that Inter have nothing to lose. The expectations are different", underlines the former goalkeeper of the national team.
Then a thought goes to his Fiorentina and Roma. "I don't know West Ham well, but we would all like Fiorentina to win. I hope all of Italy will support Fiorentina and Inter, putting aside the support at least for these two finals. Three Italians in the final I hope it is not an isolated and sporadic episode. Inter, Fiorentina and Roma in the final: our championship is returning to the levels of the past, hoping to stay there for a long time."
There is no lack of judgment on young goalkeepers and praise for Alex Meret: "Italian goalkeepers are recovering, it is a symbolic role of football. First the Italian school was the best one, then there was the advent of foreign goalkeepers, the rules have changed, now even goalkeepers of not very high stature are privileged. However, I am pleased to see some Italian goalkeepers: Meret is to be loved: a guy in his own way, perfect, won a Scudetto in Naples, for me he represents the revival of the category", concludes Toldo.