Regarded as one of Italy's greatest ever goalkeepers,[1][2] he had a successful club career, winning titles with Fiorentina, Cagliari, and Milan, before retiring with Elpidiense.

[1][3][4][5][6] With 233 appearances for the club, he is Milan's fifth-most capped keeper of all time, behind only Christian Abbiati (380), Sebastiano Rossi (330), Dida (302), and Lorenzo Buffon (300).

[3][4][6][8] Albertosi made his debut for the Italy national team on 15 September 1961, in a 4–1 friendly victory against Argentina in Florence, under manager Giovanni Ferrari.

In the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, Albertosi was once again named Italy's starting goalkeeper, due to his excellent and consistent performances throughout the season with Cagliari.

An extroverted footballer, he was an efficient yet creative goalkeeper, who was known in particular for his reactions, speed, agility, and ability to produce decisive, acrobatic and spectacular saves; however, in spite of his reputation, longevity, and general consistency, at times he was also criticised for his poor work-rate and mentality throughout his career, as well as his humorous, light-hearted and undisciplined character, which occasionally had a negative impact on the consistency of his performances.