Blackpool secured the services of goalkeeper Franco Ravizolli on Friday, with the Argentine shotstopper signing a two year deal with the option for a further year – But what can Tangerine fans actually expect from their new signing?
A Key Position to Recruit
Steve Bruce was always going to be looking for a new goalkeeper to add to his ranks after his previous number 1 Harry Tyrer returned to Everton after his season long loan.
Ravizolli makes a smart replacement – he’s proven himself in EFL League One across the last two seasons for his previous club Wycombe Wanderers, keeping 21 clean sheets in 52 games across all competitions. He played second fiddle to Max Stryjek in the 23/24 season before claiming the number one spot – during that spell he played in an EFL Trophy final defeat at Wembley – which lasted until the middle of the 24/25 season when he was replaced by Will Norris.
Superb Shotstopping and Direct Distribution
Arguably his strongest trait is his saving ability. Ravizolli comes in off the back of averaging a 72% save rate in league games for Wycombe – the 9th best in EFL League One for the 24/25 season – with an average of 0.89 goals conceded per game – the 5th best in the division. These figures back up the positive reviews the Argentine arrives with, showing his reliability and consistency on a weekly basis – an absolute key for any side looking to get out of the third tier. Wycombe lost just three league games last season when Ravizolli was starting, further adding to the impressive stats he brings to Lancashire.
There was a memorable performance away to Wigan, where he made a string of fantastic saves to preserve three points – including an almost unbelievable save in added time – and was deservedly praised by then manager Matt Bloomfield after he came into the side following a suspension for Stryjek which eventually led to him keeping his spot.
He’s also no slouch with the ball at his feet either – in the 24/25 season alone, he made 219 accurate long balls (an average of 8 a game) which is among the best in the division. This is a key attribute for picking out those key passes to start an attack, pumping it up to put pressure on the opposition backline and finding target men when required.
Franco Ravizolli Frailties
As with any goalkeeper, Franco Ravizolli does come with some weaker parts to his game – namely his positioning and commanding. For all his qualities in keeping the ball out the net, he tends to struggle with commanding his area and making confident, committed decisions.
Wycombe fans often became frustrated with his lack of confidence coming off of his line to claim balls and make his box his own. That became all too apparent in that EFL Trophy final defeat, as his misjudgement saw a Harrison Burrows cross fly over his head in the 91st minute to give Peterborough the win. Whilst this has improved with time – playing with an experienced backline – it’s something that can creep into a performance every now and again.
That is backed up by his high claim stats, as he averaged just 0.56 high claims per game in the 24/25 season – amongst the worst in the division. Whilst that may not be the news they want to hear for a new number one, The Seasiders may just have to be a bit patient before they see the best of Franco Ravizolli.
Is Signing Franco Ravizolli Good Or Not?
On paper, Blackpool fans should be very happy with his signing – a well proven goalkeeper at their level is nothing to turn your nose up at. He comes with plenty of positive comments from his previous club – with most of them disappointed when he was dropped and eventually released.
While he can have his odd moment of being unsure and not dominating the area, Ravizolli is very capable of excelling and joins as a very solid choice between the sticks. With the recent singings of Fraser Horsfall and Michael Ihiekwe, Steve Bruce’s side look to be building a strong backline as they look to push on and get out of EFL League One at the third time of asking.
