Ivano Bordon (Italian pronunciation:[iˈvaːnoborˈdon;-ˈdɔn]; born 13 April 1951) is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. During his career he was regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Italy, and had a successful career playing for several Italian clubs.[1][2] At international level, he mainly served as a back-up to Dino Zoff, and was a member of the Italy national football team that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup, also taking part at the 1978 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 1980.[1][3][4][5]
Bordon was born in Marghera, Venice.[7] In 1966, he joined Inter youth squad and debuted for the first team four years later.[7] During his career, he mostly played for the Nerazzurri (1970–83) making 388 appearances.[7] He initially served as a back-up to Lido Vieri, but later won a place as the team's starting goalkeeper, winning two Serie A titles in 1971 and 1980, as well as two Coppa Italia titles.[1][7][8] He also reached the 1972 European Cup final with Inter, where they were defeated by Cruyff'sAjax side.[1][8] In the 1979–80 season, he set the club's record for the longest run without conceding a single goal in Serie A (686 minutes).[7]
At the international level, Bordon received 21 caps for the Italy national team between 1978 and 1984, and he participated in three major tournaments with Italy as Dino Zoff's backup.[1] He represented Italy at the 1978 FIFA World Cup (where Italy reached the semi-finals finishing in fourth place),[3]UEFA Euro 1980 (where Italy reached the semi-finals finishing in fourth place once again),[5] and he was also a member of Italy's 1982 World Cup winning squad.[12]
After hanging the boots, he began coaching goalkeepers. He did so at Solbiatese and Udinese,[13][14] before starting, a long-term collaboration with manager Marcello Lippi.[15]
In 1994, Bordon was tasked by Juventus manager Lippi with enhancing the performance of the goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi.[16] He stayed with Lippi at Juventus until 1999, during which the club won numerous trophies, including five Serie A titles and one UEFA Champions League.[13][17] In 1999, Bordon followed Lippi at Inter, where he worked for two years even if Lippi was sacked at the beginning of the second season.[18][19] Bordon then reunited with Lippi again, first in Juventus and then in the Italy national football team that went ahead to win the 2006 FIFA World Cup.[17][20][4]
Regarded as one of the best Italian goalkeepers of his generation,[21] Bordon was an introverted goalkeeper,[22] known in particular for his cool-headedness,[22] focus,[22] positioning,[21] and responsiveness.[21] His agility in particular earned him the nickname Pallottolla ("Bullet").[22]
