Enrico Albertosi Italian, former football player, goalkeeper. Date of Birth: 02.11.1939 Country: Italy

1. Early Career and Rise to Prominence
2. National Team Breakthrough
3. Club Success and World Cup Glory
4. Later Career and Controversies
5. Comeback and Legacy

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Enrico Albertosi, an Italian goalkeeper, began his professional journey in 1957 with Spezia in Serie D. After an impressive season, he joined Fiorentina in 1958. Despite facing competition from seasoned goalkeeper Giuliano Sarti, Albertosi's debut in a 0-0 draw against Livorno caught attention.

Albertosi's early career was marked by scattered appearances due to Sarti's dominance. However, his potential was recognized by the Italian youth and B teams, leading to his international debut in 1961 against Argentina. While he served as a backup goalkeeper for the 1962 World Cup, Sarti's departure in 1963 finally paved the way for Albertosi to become Fiorentina's first choice.

National Team Breakthrough

Albertosi re-established himself in the national team in 1965 and became its starting goalkeeper for the 1966 World Cup in England. Although Italy faced an early exit, Albertosi's performance was overshadowed by a memorable goal conceded to North Korea, which eliminated Italy from the tournament.

Club Success and World Cup Glory

Albertosi's career reached new heights when he joined Cagliari in 1968. He spearheaded the club's Serie A triumph in 1970, setting a record by allowing only 11 goals in 30 matches. His exceptional performance earned him the title of Best Goalkeeper in Italy and a starting spot in the 1970 World Cup.

At the World Cup, Albertosi kept clean sheets in the first three games and only conceded a consolation goal in the quarterfinals against Mexico. However, in the infamous semifinal against West Germany, he faced verbal abuse from Karl-Heinz Schnellinger, which sparked a verbal altercation. Despite the loss to Brazil in the final, Albertosi's World Cup performance was highly lauded.

Later Career and Controversies

Following the World Cup, Albertosi's form declined, and he made his final international appearance in 1972. In 1974, at age 35, he joined AC Milan. Initially criticized for his age, Albertosi became a key figure for the club. He led Milan to a Coppa Italia victory in 1977 and a Serie A title in 1979, conceding only 19 goals.

However, Albertosi's career was marred by a betting scandal in 1980. Accused of match-fixing, he was disqualified for two years and Milan was relegated to Serie B.

Comeback and Legacy

After serving his suspension, Albertosi played for Elpidiense in Serie C2 for two seasons. In 2004, he faced a health crisis but made a remarkable recovery. Today, Enrico Albertosi is remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Italian football history, ranked 32nd among the best European goalkeepers of the 20th century by the IFFHS.