MILAN – With the days rapidly ticking down to Sunday evening's showdown with AC Milan, Gianluca Pagliuca today leafed through his book of derby memories with Inter Channel.
The former Italy keeper, who amassed 234 appearances in his five seasons at Inter (1994-1999), spoke proudly of his league record against the Rossoneri and another personal record – that of most penalties saved in Serie A – which is now under threat from current Nerazzurri No.1 Samir Handanovic.
He started by casting his mind back to a derby played exactly 20 years ago today, on 15 April 1995. "It was an Easter Saturday," Pagliuca began. "I have a very vivid memory of that derby. We won it 3-1 and I had a brilliant game – we all played magnificently."
The Meazza throbbed with black and blue passion that day as Andrea Seno, Wim Jonk and Nicola Berti scored the goals and clinched victory in the game all Interisti yearn to win. "Every time I come back to Milan the fans remind me of that match."
He then beamed: "I played ten derbies in the league in all, winning four and drawing six. I think that's a pretty good average!"
Pagliuca currently holds the Serie A record for most penalties saved, managing an incredible 24 stops from 12 yards during his career. It's a record he may soon have to relinquish, however, with Handanovic rapidly closing in: the Slovene shotstopper has kept out five of the six spot kicks he's faced this season already (four in the league and one in the Europa League).
"I think he'll beat my record. I'd love to keep it but he only needs three more and I don't think it will be too long before he overtakes me.
Pagliuca concluded with further praise for Handanovic: "It's a massive advantage having someone like him between the sticks. He's a fantastically talented keeper."
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