Francesco TOLDO

The first memory regards the astonishing and almost unbelievable debut that Francesco Toldo made, the 4th of October 1995, with the National Team. Toldo, who was leaving for a weekend trip at Isola díElba along with his girlfriend Simona, was suddenly called to replace an indisposed Peruzzi for a game between Italy and Croatia. In Spalato the starter was supposed to be Luca Bucci who, however, was ejected, after only 10 minutes, for touching the ball by his hands out from the goal-mouth. Toldo had to play without even realizing it but, nevertheless, he was able to produce a great performance. An unforgettable moment, but not the only one in his career.

In 1994 he won the European Championship with the Under 21 National Team while, with Fiorentina, he won an Italy Cup and an Italian Supercup. Now he is a 26 years old expert and secure goalkeeper who fights to play the next World Cup in France. Toldo is also the tallest player in the League (1.96m). He has been playing with Fiorentina for 5 seasons, a team he really loves, but before getting in Tuscany he played with Montebelluna, with the Milanís juvenile team, with Verona, with Trento and finally with Ravenna. 5 seasons in Serie A are enough to say that his best quality looks to be the high-coming out. However he lately improved also his readiness against the low shots. In addition he possesses a strong personality which is a fundamental gift for a goalkeeper.

Actually, at first, he tried to become a forward, but later he turned to his current role, immediately finding great models to imitate: Giovanni Galli who Toldo admired while playing with the juvenile team of Milan, during the major teamís trainings, and Dino Zoff a myth for all of those who aspire to become great goalkeepers.