Inter Milan hero Francesco Toldo has defended Julio Cesar over his scratchy form.

Questions are starting to be asked about the Brazilian's reliability after a difficult last 18 months for the goalkeeper.

"The criticism is certainly excessive," said Toldo, a man who defended the Inter goal himself for almost a decade.

"I think that Julio Cesar is still a great goalkeeper who can be relied upon for some time to come.

"At this moment in time he is just dealing with a few fitness issues."