Tottenham may feel justifiably aggrieved that their team failed to capitalise on an energetic and impressive performance against The Blues at the weekend. Chelsea’s amazing and fantastic record against them remaining intact thanks to Carlo’s string of stunning saves.
He was the difference between the two teams.
Fast, agile and possessing magnificent (cat like – Bonetti) reflexes, Carlo’s performances have been faultless. His confidence grows with every game.
Following the Spurs game Claudio Ranieri said of Carlo, “I have a fantastic keeper and he saved all the shots”.
Chelsea legend Peter Bonetti agrees.
“I admire him very much. Alongside Blackburn’s Brad Friedel, he’s the best in the Premiership”.
However Carlo’s journey has been long and hard and has struggled in the past with a persistent injury and failing to impress previous coaches and managers. With each glorious performance however, the 29-year-old Italian is laying these ghosts to rest. 
The son of Fabio Cudicini, one of the all time great Italian keepers (AC Milan and Roma), much was expected of young Carlo, but few believed he could live up to his father’s reputation.
“They always said: “Yes, but your father was better,” Cudicini recalls.
He started his career at AC Milan – with whom Fabio won the European Cup in 1969 – but failed to make a single appearance.
And things went from bad to worse when he struggled with persistent injury problems for three years at Como and Lazio.
When Carlo found himself banished to lower-league side Castel di Sangro, the future looked bleak.
It was at this point that Chelsea brought the Italian to Stamford Bridge on a loan deal as cover for Ed De Goey. Carlo impressed so much that Chelsea had little hesitation in making the deal permanent in the Summer of 2000. He cost the club £160,000!!!! £160,000!!!! Pretty shrewd.
After a slow start, Cudicini has fought off stiff competition from De Goey and Mark Bosnich. Last seasons outstanding and consistent displays confirming him as first choice.
And there is now talk of him winning caps for Italy, who can already choose between Gianluigu Buffon and Francesco Toldo.
This is a subject that Claudio refuses to be drawn on.
“People say he should be in the national team, but Italy have to good keepers,” said Ranieri.
“I have managed Toldo for four years in Florence and I was sure about him, just as I am sure about Cudicini.”
But Bonetti thinks the Italians will have to pick him if he keeps on playing as he is.
“What makes him good? Well, first and foremost he keeps the ball out of the net.
“He reads the game very well and he is quick to come out. He’s consistent and that’s what you want.
“Italians don’t rely on overseas players much, which is why the likes of Gianfranco Zola have been left out in the past.
“But if Cudicini keeps playing as he is, they can’t help but pick him.
“He comes from good stock and he is very unassuming. I like people like that to do well.”
Cudicini’s impressive ability and consistency has not surprisingly led to interest from the big Italian clubs, but Carlo has already signalled his intention to remain Blue.
If he makes as many appearances for the Blues as Bonetti – I’ll be a very happy man. Carlo is a Chelsea great in the making!