"AIMING TO BECOME A GOALKEEPER"

Fans of Italy's national football team know him perfectly well. One of the best goalkeepers of his country, Francesco Toldo attracted attention at the European Championship in 2000. That year, the Italian national team made it to the finals, winning a strong-willed victory over the Dutch national team. In that crucial game, "Squadra Azzurra" was defeated by the French national team. The Italians opened the scoring 55 minutes into the match, and Wiltord equalized the scoring in the last minutes of the match. The teams took another 30 minutes to identify the winner. It was in those extra minutes that Trezeguet scored the goal that brought the French national team the title of champion of Europe. It is impossible to express in words what the goalkeeper of the Italian national team, Francesco Toldo, experienced in that championship, including after the final game. In his sport career, before becoming a silver medalist in the European Championship, he had become a winner in the Champions League, won championships and Italian Cup five times, and was a three-time winner of the Super Cup of that country. He was awarded the Order "For Services to the Italian Republic", and wore the forms of Inter and Fiorentina clubs. In an interview with R+, Francesco Toldo recalled the 2000 European Championship, and spoke about the upcoming Baku-hosted European Under-17 Championship.

- At the mention of the name of Francesco Toldo, one recalls his rich sports career, his victories in European championships, the Champions League and an Italian championship. You must be happy with your career. Are you?

- I have sometimes reflected on this after I left football. It is difficult to give a specific answer. It could have been even better or the other way round. Should we have become champions of Europe in 2000, we would have got not silver but gold medals. Therefore, it is hard to say something specific. I am happy I was part of a strong team like the Italian national team. This team has formed from players who have had their say in world football. It may have failed to achieve big successes in the past few years, but the Italian national team has always been one of the best. It is no coincidence that it is considered to be the favourite in any competition it takes part in.

- I watched the finals of the 2000 European Championship on TV. Italy was preparing to mark its championship. How difficult has it been to forget that game?

- The match was coming to an end. The last minutes of it were coming to an end, and everyone thought we would become champions. Our bench players jumped up and waited for the final whistle. We were seconds away from championship. Fans in the stadium were waving flags already. And at the moment, the rival scored a return goal. This certainly upset us. It was hard to keep on fighting. We had opportunities to score a goal in the extra time as well. However, it did not work, and we had to settle for silver medals.

- There have always been good goalkeepers in Italian football. What is the secret?

- Each player on the field is important in Italian football. We have many star goalkeepers. Take, for example, Buffon, who continues his sport career. Before him, there was Pagliuca. We have been lucky with regard to goalkeepers. This is kind of a tradition. You see, when coming to the football school, boys set themselves the goal of becoming a goalkeeper for the Italian national team. Although not everybody achieves it, the names of those who do goes to the list of the best.

- The Italian national team has many fans in Azerbaijan. Did you know this?

- I did. This is not my first visit to Azerbaijan. On the other hand, Italy's national team has fans in any country of the world. We always receive support from our fans. I am happy that in your country, too, many people are our fans.

- When was the first time you visited Azerbaijan?

- The first time I visited Baku was in 2002. Your capital city has changed a lot since. The city has become more modern. A lot of high rises and well-lit buildings have appeared.

- You played against the Azerbaijani national team in Baku in 2002. Do you remember that game?

- I remember that we won 2:0. There was full house in the stadium. Fans were supporting their team. It was a rather interesting match.

- The purpose of your visit to Baku was to take part in the ceremony to draw lots for the U-17 European Championship. It is no secret that there is not much interest in juniors' competitions. What do you think about this?

- The level of the European Championship has improved a lot. The reason is that all the national teams have become better. All of them actively prepare for this final. This may not be the most interesting championship in the world. The main goal should be the unity of the teams for the competitions to be held at a high level. The team that reaches the deciding match without losses will get a chance to become a champion. I thank Azerbaijan for a very high level of preparation for the tournament. I think everything will be wonderful.

- Which of the teams do you think is the favourite?

- The Portuguese and German national teams are very good. But I am not losing my hopes related to the Italian national team. They have a very good coach. He knows his job very well.

- Will the Italian national team be able to leave the difficult group?

- We do have difficult rivals in the group. However, Italy's name alone scares many people. The Italian Football Federation has done a great amount of work with young football players. That is why the best football players will come from Italy to the championship.

- What can you say about Azerbaijani football?

- I do not know that much. I know that football develops in Azerbaijan. What a pity that your championship cannot be watched in Europe. Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga matches are mainly aired there. However, we can see that Azerbaijan invests a lot in sports, especially football.

- Are you expected to visit Baku for the U-17 European Championship?

I have not yet received an invitation to this effect and, therefore, I cannot say anything.

Note that the Azerbaijani team will be competing in the same group as the teams of Portugal, Belgium and Scotland in the Under-17 European Championship that starts on 5 May.