Buffon and Toldo they are without a doubt two goalkeepers who marked an era and accompanied an entire generation, or perhaps even more, of Italian football. Yet, even today, we have the sensation that the second, too often, has been overshadowed by the first, which is, by all, considered one of the strongest extreme defenders of all time. But was there really that much of a difference? All that remains is to try to answer and explain. Because, never more than in this case, there is no harm in trying.
SuperGigi and his unparalleled career
Born in Carrara, he immediately demonstrated an innate talent, to say the least. He took his first steps at Canaletto, an amateur club from La Spezia, and then moved on to Perticata, a team from his city. At 12 he joined Bonascola. And so, at just 13 years old, after having demonstrated that he is a promise with a certain future, he moves on to Parma. 15 million lire, payable in two years: this is the investment of the Emilian company. After starting as a midfielderat the age of 14 he began his adventure between the posts. His debut among the greats came in the 1995/1996 season, at the age of 17. And, right from the start, he demonstrates all his talent and his value. The following year he immediately became the starter and, within a short time, the first joys arrived. In fact, in 1999 three trophies were won: the UEFA Cup, the Italian Cup and the Italian Super Cup.
In 2001 he moved to Juventus 75 billion lire plus Bachini’s price tag. After an uncertain start, Buffon took center stage, leading the Bianconeri to the Scudetto and the Italian Super Cup. The only disappointment was the Champions League final lost on penalties against Milan. The good Gigi in those years was undoubtedly one of the strongest goalkeepers in the world, despite a shoulder injury. He remains with the Piedmontese team despite their relegation to Serie B, Calciopoli case. The most important demonstration of a great love story. After a few years of difficulty, Juve returns to winning ways with Conte on the bench. Between 2012 and 2014, Juventus won three consecutive league titles and two Italian Super Cups, with the goalkeeper becoming captain.
After Conte it was Allegri’s turn, continuing to collect championships, but failing to win the European title on two occasions. In the meantime, Gianluigi also achieved personal satisfaction, such as an unbeaten record and fourth place in the Ballon d’Or rankings. In 2018 he bid farewell to Turin and attempted an adventure at PSG. An adventure which, however, is only remembered for the mistake in the Champions League round of 16 against Manchester United, which costs the Transalpines elimination. And so his career ends with a double return: first to Juventus and then to Parma, useful for entering even further into the history of Italian football. And not only.
Toldo, a career studded with trophies
5 championships, 5 Italian Cups, 4 Italian Super Cups and a UEFA Champions League: perhaps even these numbers alone would be enough to describe the career of the native of Padua. Born in 1971, he took his first steps in the parish society of his town, choosing to become a goalkeeper at 12 years old. After some proceedings among the youth teams in his area, it is the one who notices it Milan, who took him at the age of 16. After a long apprenticeship between Verona, Trento and Ravenna (with which he was the protagonist in the promotion to Serie B), in 1993 he began his very long adventure at Fiorentina. He immediately contributed to the Tuscans’ rise to Serie A, with the first joys coming in 1996: the Italian Cup and the Italian Super Cup. In 1999/2000 there is the European stage, where the satisfaction of parry a penalty to Kanu.
His performances certainly did not go unnoticed and, after being very close to Parma, he passed all’Inter for 55 billion. At the Nerazzurri, many good seasons for Francesco, but also many disappointments, like the scudetto lost on 5 May 2002. For Toldo also some uncertainty and negative moments. The redemption, however, comes with Mancini on the bench, with many national trophies. With Mourinho he finds little space, but he is one of the leaders of the group and takes away the satisfaction of the squad that lifts the Champions League. In short, there was certainly no shortage of triumphs and Cups for him.
Buffon and Toldo, what are the differences?
I mean there are really so many differences between Buffon and Toldo? Taking a look at your career, you could calmly and calmly answer no. Perhaps the good Gigi has some national laurels and a few more personal records, but the former Viola and Nerazzurri player took away the satisfaction of winning the Champions League, the only real shortcoming for the former Juventus player. However, perhaps what has been done in can help us for a more complete reflection National. It is impossible to forget how Gianluigi was one of the protagonists of the 2006 triumph and this cannot fail to count. A triumph that erases the many disappointments: 2002 World Cup, 2004 European Championship, 2010 World Cup, injury at the 2014 World Cup and failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. The Paduan had a great opportunity in blue, the European Championship 2000. European Championship which definitively consecrated him for his penalty saves against the Netherlands. The only flaw was the failure to win the final against France. In short, perhaps the differences aren’t that many.
2024-03-23 11:01:09
#Buffon #stronger #Toldo
