There are people who never get close to the dreams they had as children. Guglielmo Vicario, from 17 August onwards, touches a piece of one every single day. The signature with Juventus. The debut at Frosinone. The save against Parma. The desires of a lifetime concentrated into sixteen days of a fairy tale. But for the new Bianconero goalkeeper — on loan from Tottenham, already decisive on the pitch and a leader off it — this is only the beginning.
“I Would Already Sign in Blank to Stay Here for Life”
The interview’s most revealing declaration arrived early and without diplomatic hedging. “If I could choose, I would already decide now to stay here for many years — I am at the club of my dreams. We will see. For now, the only thought must be to help the club, my teammates, and the manager to do the best possible. The history of Juventus is clear: we must fight on all fronts to win.”
The Childhood Bedroom — Gazzetta Cuttings and Buffon’s Autographed Shirt
The origin story of Vicario’s relationship with Juventus is one of inherited passion and fortunate timing. “My parents used to put up the Gazzetta cuttings — the autographed Buffon shirt was a birthday present from my cousin, who was a Juventus fan like my father. They passed the passion on to me. Gigi’s shirt watched over me for many years — and it brought good luck.”
After sleeping beside Buffon’s shirt for years, Vicario finally wore the same jersey at Frosinone. “If I said I experienced it all normally, I would be a hypocrite. Wearing the Juventus shirt is a privilege and an honour too great for words — emotions that cannot be described. Pride and positive tension yes, fear no — because fear is a feeling you must not carry into football. It was a dream.”
Buffon sent him a message when he signed. “We spoke, but what he said I prefer to keep between us. Gigi spent beautiful words on me and I can only thank him. Fortunately, comparisons with Buffon are impossible — we are talking about the greatest goalkeeper in the history of football, an extraterrestrial in everything: technique, charisma, consistency. I must build my own road.”
On the Friulian connection with Dino Zoff: “He is a legend — always kind to me. He said the problem with goalkeepers is that they talk too much? I think moments must be selected: you must be neither too theatrical nor too quiet.”
“Juventus Is Better Than the Premier League”
The line that will stay with supporters was delivered with complete sincerity. “Juventus is worth more than the Premier League! Winning with this shirt would be the maximum gratification — it would be worth more than anything else.”
“I Never Felt Like a Spare Tyre”
The inevitable question about Alisson, Martínez, and the long summer of goalkeeping pursuit was addressed with confidence and without bitterness. “I always hoped to arrive at Juventus, but I cannot control the dynamics of the market. I did a pre-season without friendlies, trusting in the transfer. I waited for Juventus — but I never felt like a spare tyre. If I am here, it is because the club and the manager chose me and wanted me as the Juventus goalkeeper. That was my objective and I achieved it. All the other discussions are chatter. The present is what counts, not the past.”
On Spalletti: “Clear, Direct — We Will See a Proactive Juventus”
“I worked with him and I know him well: he is clear and direct, including in his idea of football. We will see a proactive Juventus. He made simple requests of me and told me to throw myself headlong into it.” On the Frosinone cramp that caused his substitution: “The cramp at my debut was the result of having spent every drop of fuel I had in that match — just a few days after arriving at Juventus, after an unusual summer. A touch of emotion too. And it was heat I was no longer used to after three years in England.”
On His Former Tottenham Teammates Now at Juventus
Three of Vicario’s former Spurs colleagues are now in the same dressing room — and his assessments of each are direct and warm. On Kolo Muani: “I see him very well settled at Juventus, happy with a different face from the one he had in London — eager and determined. Goals, like any striker, he expects from himself too — and I have no doubt he will score many.” On Sarr: “He has a great engine — Premier League quality. He will help us break open matches.” On Woltemade, who did not score against him when Newcastle faced Spurs: “We hope he can have an Ibrahimović-type impact on Serie A. His physical qualities speak for themselves — but Nick is also very technical, good in the air, and good at linking the team. We have only just got to know him. He is a good lad.”
On Sunday’s Milan Match
Asked which opposing player concerned him most — Ramos, Modric, or Rabiot — and what he would “steal” from Maignan, Vicario batted the question aside with characteristic confidence. “Milan are a big club with great players, but we are Juventus and must respond in kind. Modric, Maignan — they are all top. But I don’t want to steal anything from anyone.”
“The Europa League Must Be Taken Seriously from the Very First Match”
Having won the Europa League with Tottenham in 2025, Vicario brings a unique perspective to a competition Juventus are targeting as their primary route back to the Champions League. “The secret is to take it seriously. Juventus must compete to win on all fronts. The Europa League initially seems like a nuisance, but when you go deep, everyone becomes interested. From the very first matchday you must go out convinced of winning — and make it all the way to the end. In May, people’s perception of the Europa League changes. But the work begins now. Our group understands the importance of the competition — and there are others in the squad who have won it too: Koopmeiners, Sarr, Douglas. The Europa League is a very important objective for us.”
“Grabara Is a Strong, Quality Goalkeeper — We Have a Healthy Competition”
On his relationship with his backup: “Among goalkeepers we all know each other more or less. I remember a great Champions League season of his with Copenhagen. He is a strong, quality goalkeeper. Between us there is a healthy competition — as it should be.”
Italy — and Roberto Mancini
The interview closed with the national team question every Italian international must answer eventually. “I have fortunately been part of the Azzurri group for four years. Italy is an objective for every player — now we wait for the Nations League.” On whether he has spoken to new coach Roberto Mancini: a question left tactfully, diplomatically, entirely unanswered.
