Stefano Sorrentino, the first goalkeeper to stop one of Ronaldo’s penalties at Serie A, spoke about how it’s like to face the Portuguese from that spot.
Penalty-taking may look easy, but in fact, it’s one of the most psychologically challenging aspects of the game. Nothing compares to the tension and pressure felt at that moment, for players and fans altogether. Goalkeepers aren’t expected to save the shots, but penalty-takers almost have the obligation to score.
When it comes to penalties, we know who’s boss. Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for more penalties taken with 159 chances from the 12-yard spot. Additionally, the Portuguese star has netted the goal a total of 133 times, giving him an 83.6% conversion rate. No one has come close to the Juve star’s numbers in the 21st century. It is a true testimony to Ronaldo’s mental capacity, as it is a moment when instincts step aside and make way for mind games.
Former Chievo player Sorrentino was the first goalkeeper to stop one of Cristiano’s penalties in the Italian league. The 41-year-old player told Football Italia about how he prepares to save shots from the penalty spot.
“I studied during the week and we used to watch a clip before the game, with the staff and the other goalkeepers. We looked at so many things: how the players moved, how many steps they took for the run-up, so many things. In the end, we decided on one strategy.”
As he prepared to face the Juventus forward, Sorrentino analysed Ronaldo’s behavior from the penalty spot and even made a prediction before the match.
“The morning before the game I had told my best man Ronaldo would kick to the left if there would be a penalty for Juve. He was at the stadium that day and he recorded a video of my save, saying I would pick the left-hand side.”
“Penalty kicks are also about psychology.”
Additionally, Sorrentino revealed an important aspect of the Portugal captain’s penalty taking. In his opinion, it prevents the player from succumbing to mind games.
“I tried to look him in the eyes, but he didn’t look at me. He never does it. I liked to watch the penalty kick takers in the eyes, trying to understand where they would kick. Penalty kicks are also about psychology. If they get irritated, they can change something and do something favorable for you.”
Although Sorrentino managed to stop the 35-year-old forward, most goalkeepers haven’t. With only 26 missed penalties in his career, it’s clear that it isn’t easy to get under Cristiano Ronaldo’s skin.
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