Overview
Guglielmo Vicario is an Italian professional footballer who currently operates as a goalkeeper. Born on 7 October 1996, in Udine, Italy, Vicario stands at 1.88 meters, a physical attribute that aids his command of the penalty area. His career trajectory has seen him progress through various Italian clubs before making a significant move to the English Premier League. He is recognized for his athleticism, strong reflexes, and ability to make crucial saves, often described as a modern shot-stopper with good distribution capabilities.
Position
As a goalkeeper, Vicario's primary role involves preventing opposition goals. This encompasses a range of responsibilities, including shot-stopping, claiming crosses, organizing the defensive line, and initiating attacks with his distribution. His physical stature provides him with an advantage in aerial duels and in covering a significant portion of the goal. Vicario's positioning and decision-making under pressure are key components of his game, allowing him to anticipate danger and react effectively to various attacking scenarios.
Identity
Vicario's identity on the pitch is characterized by his decisive shot-stopping and his often acrobatic saves. He has developed a reputation for performing well in high-pressure situations, demonstrating mental fortitude alongside his technical skills. His journey from lower division Italian football to the top tiers of European football underscores a resilient and determined professional. He is often seen as a reliable presence between the posts, capable of inspiring confidence in his defensive unit through his consistent performances and vocal communication.
Career path
Guglielmo Vicario's professional journey began in Italy, progressing through various clubs before establishing himself at the highest level. His early career saw him develop in the youth ranks of Udinese, though he did not make a senior appearance for his hometown club. He subsequently moved to Fontanafredda, where he gained initial senior experience.
Venezia
In 2015, Vicario joined Venezia FC. He spent several seasons there, initially as a backup before establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper. His tenure at Venezia was crucial for his development, providing him with consistent playing time and exposure to competitive league football in Serie C and then Serie B. He played a significant role in Venezia's promotion to Serie B in the 2016-2017 season. He remained with the club until 2019, making 73 appearances across all competitions according to Transfermarkt.
Cagliari & Loan Spells
Vicario's performances for Venezia attracted interest from Serie A clubs, leading to a move to Cagliari Calcio in July 2019 [Transfermarkt]. He was immediately loaned out to Perugia for the 2019-2020 season, where he continued to gain experience in Serie B, making 37 appearances [Soccerway]. Upon returning to Cagliari, he made his Serie A debut in the 2020-2021 season, featuring in seven league matches [FBref].
Empoli
In July 2021, Vicario was loaned to Empoli FC, a move that proved pivotal for his career. He quickly established himself as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, impressing with his consistent performances throughout the 2021-2022 Serie A season. His loan deal was made permanent by Empoli in July 2022 [Transfermarkt], a testament to his impact. He continued to be a standout performer for Empoli during the 2022-2023 season, attracting significant attention from top European clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur
In June 2023, Guglielmo Vicario completed a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League [Tottenham Hotspur Official Website]. This move marked a significant step in his career, transitioning from Serie A to one of Europe's top leagues. He quickly became the club's starting goalkeeper, making his Premier League debut at the start of the 2023-2024 season and featuring prominently throughout his inaugural campaign in England.
Playing style
Guglielmo Vicario's playing style is characterized by a combination of traditional shot-stopping prowess and modern goalkeeping attributes. He is particularly noted for his exceptional reflexes and agility, enabling him to make acrobatic saves from close range and react quickly to deflected shots. His 1.88m frame provides a commanding presence in the penalty area, allowing him to effectively deal with crosses and set pieces.
Vicario's ability to command his box is a key strength. He is proactive in coming off his line to intercept through balls and claim aerial deliveries, reducing the pressure on his defense. According to Sofascore data from his time in Serie A, he consistently demonstrated a high save percentage and was effective in preventing goals from high-xG shots, indicating strong reaction times and positioning. His distribution, while not always the most expansive, is generally accurate and composed, allowing his team to retain possession and build attacks from the back. He often opts for short, precise passes to defenders, but is also capable of launching longer balls when necessary.
Compared to other goalkeepers, Vicario shares some traits with shot-stoppers who excel at reflex saves and commanding their area. His athleticism and ability to stretch for difficult saves can be reminiscent of goalkeepers known for their agility, while his decision-making in claiming crosses indicates a strong understanding of game situations. His performances suggest a goalkeeper who is constantly engaged, providing a vocal presence to organize his defense and maintain concentration throughout matches. He exhibits good footwork and quick lateral movement, which are crucial for covering the goal effectively against varied attacking threats.
Achievements & honours
Guglielmo Vicario's career has seen him contribute to team successes, particularly during his time in the Italian lower leagues, and establish himself as a key player at various clubs. While major European or international club honors have yet to feature prominently in his career, his individual development and consistent performances have been recognized.
His most notable team achievement came early in his professional career:
| Competition | Club | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Serie C Play-off Winners | Venezia | 2016–17 |
This promotion with Venezia FC marked a significant milestone, helping the club return to Serie B. Individually, Vicario's consistent displays in Serie A for Empoli earned him considerable praise and established him as one of the league's most promising goalkeepers, ultimately leading to his transfer to the Premier League. Though specific individual awards are not widely documented, his transfer value and the interest from top-tier clubs serve as a testament to his recognized abilities and impact on the field. His consistent high-level performances have been a key factor in his progression through the professional ranks, demonstrating his reliability and skill as a goalkeeper.
International career
Guglielmo Vicario has been recognized at the international level for Italy, though his senior cap count remains at zero as of May 2026. His consistent performances in Serie A and later in the Premier League have led to several call-ups to the Italy national squad, an indication of his standing among the country's top goalkeepers.
He received his first call-up to the senior national team in September 2022 by manager Roberto Mancini for UEFA Nations League matches against England and Hungary [FIGC Official Website]. While he was an unused substitute in these fixtures, his inclusion signaled his emergence as a potential future option for the Azzurri. He has continued to be part of various national team camps, often serving as a third-choice goalkeeper behind established figures.
As of the current date, Vicario has not yet made his senior international debut, but his presence in the squad highlights his consistent high-level club performances. The competition for the goalkeeping position within the Italian national team is significant, with several experienced and emerging talents vying for spots. His continued involvement in squads for qualifiers and friendly matches indicates he remains firmly in the national team's plans, positioning him for a potential debut in future international windows or major tournaments.
What makes Guglielmo Vicario stand out
Guglielmo Vicario stands out primarily due to his exceptional shot-stopping ability and his calm demeanor under pressure. His reflexes are particularly noteworthy, allowing him to make crucial saves that often appear to defy expectation, especially in one-on-one situations or from powerful, close-range efforts. This capacity for making 'big' saves has been a consistent feature of his game across different leagues.
Another distinguishing trait is his command of the penalty area. Vicario is not afraid to come off his line to claim crosses or clear danger, demonstrating confidence and good judgment in anticipating attacking plays. His vocal communication with his defenders also contributes to his standout presence, helping to organize the backline and maintain defensive solidity.
"Vicario possesses that rare blend of athleticism and composure that makes a top-tier goalkeeper. He's a decisive presence, both with his hands and his voice."