Angelo Peruzzi

Lore & Background

Peruzzi transferred to Lazio in 2000 for 40 billion lire (€20.658 million) in a cash plus Marco Ballotta deal. He made over 200 appearances in Serie A and European competitions with the club. He retired at the end of the 2006–07 season after a 0–0 draw with Roma on 29 April 2007, though he played a few minutes in Lazio's final home match against Parma on 20 May as a goodbye to the fans. He was named Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year for the third time on 28 January 2008.

In Their Own Story

The rain hammered against the turf of the Stadio Olimpico as the clock ticked toward stoppage time in a crucial European night. Angelo Peruzzi stood tall in his goal, mud splattered across his white and sky-blue kit, eyes locked on the ball. A shot rocketed from thirty yards out; the crowd held its breath. With a flick of reflexes born of thousands of hours of practice, he parried it away. He didn't celebrate wildly; instead, he clapped his hands to rally his defense, a silent promise that as long as Peruzzi stood in the frame, Lazio would not fall.

Reader's Guide

Peruzzi is regarded by pundits as one of the greatest Italian goalkeepers of all time. At Lazio, he kept playing at a very high level and was generally considered the best Italian goalkeeper behind Gianluigi Buffon. He was known for his physical strength, positioning, explosive reactions, speed, and agility, though he was injury-prone and not particularly skilled with the ball at his feet.

Did You Know?

• Peruzzi won the Coppa Italia with Lazio in 2004.
• He transferred to Lazio in 2000, not 1990 or 1991.
• Peruzzi did not spend his entire career at Lazio; he also played for Roma, Hellas Verona, Juventus, and Internazionale.
• The source does not mention any jersey number being retired or Peruzzi serving as captain at Lazio.