Inter have a 2-0 lead, but Milan's Maignan is better than Onana, claims Italian goalkeeping legend
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 16.05.23. | 11:28
Gianluca Pagliuca is full of praise for the Cameroonian custodian but believes the Rossoneri's shot-stopper is among the best in the world
Italia has always been a hotbed of outstanding goalkeepers, especially during the 90s and the early 00s, with Gianluigi Buffon, Francesco Toldo, and Angelo Peruzzi leading the way along with Gianluca Pagliuca. The legendary custodian spent almost 20 years in several Serie A sides, making the most significant trace at Sampdoria and Inter Milan, where he spent five prolific seasons.
Asked about his successors between the sticks, precisely Andre Onana and Mike Maignan, ahead of tonight's decisive clash between Inter and Milan, Pagliuca said he admires both. However, despite two conceded goals in the first leg, Pagliuca believes Maignan is better than his Cameroonian counterpart.
"They are both very strong. I still go on Maignan's side, he has more experience. But I have to say that Onana is having a very important season in his first year in Serie A.
"I didn't think he would come out so soon, I thought Handanovic would hold out more, but then after a couple of so-so games, Inzaghi decided to bet on Onana and he did very well.
"But Maignan is currently one of the three best goalkeepers in the world."
Speaking to Rai Radio 1, Pagliuca first gave his thoughts on the favourites for the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals between Inter and Milan.
"Inter are favourites after 2-0 in the first leg, but I don't trust this beaten Milan. I am convinced that Inter have a good chance, I hope they go to the final. But we have to be careful with this wounded Milan, who will certainly fight for their lives," concluded Pagliuca.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Semi-final, first leg
Tuesday, 9 May
Real Madrid - Man.City 1-1 (1-0)
/Vinicius 36 - De Bruyne 68/
Wednesday, 10 May
Milan - Inter 0-2 (0-2)
/Dzeko 8, Mkhitaryan 11/
Semi-final, second leg
Tuesday, 16 May
22.00: (2.20) Inter (3.45) Milan (3.60)
Wednesday, 17 May
22.00: (1.67) Man.City (4.00) Real Madrid (5.60)
***odds are subject to change
