on 8 March 1997 in a 1–0 away win over Stoke City. His talent earned him the 1997 Ipswich Town F.C. Player of the Year, receiving the award in 18 April, just before a match against rivals Norwich City. Taricco confirmed his popularity by scoring in that match, which ended in a 2–0 win for Ipswich Town. His club finished in 4th place in the 1996–97 First Division, only to be beaten by Sheffield United on away goals in the 1997 First Division play-offs semifinal. He further endeared himself to his fans by leaving the Portman Road pitch in tears after the elimination, playing a total of 53 matches during the season. In the 1997–98 season, Taricco made another 53 appearances for Ipswich Town, reaching the quarter-finals in the 1997–98 Football League Cup before losing to Chelsea in a penalty shoot-out after a 2–2 draw in regular time, in which Taricco scored. He also scored in the 2–0 win against Manchester United in the previous round. Ipswich Town again reached the First Division play-offs after finishing 5th, but lost twice to Charlton Athletic in the semifinals. That season, Taricco was named in the PFA Team of the Year. Taricco continued his good form at the start of 1998–99, which included a spectacular goal following a run from inside his own half against Crystal Palace on 3 October 1998. He caught the attention of Tottenham Hotspur, whose bid of £1.775m Ipswich found impossible to refuse. His final game for the club turned out to be a 2–0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 3 November 1998, when he was stretchered off in the last few minutes. He played a total of 137 league matches, scoring 4 goals. Tottenham Hotspur Taricco was about to be signed by Tottenham Hotspur on 5 November 1998, but a knock to his ankle in his last match delayed the transfer in some weeks, in a deal worth £1.75 million, becoming George Graham's first signing at the club. His Premier League debut came on 16 January 1999 against Wimbledon in a goalless draw, with his full debut being again a 0–0 draw on 6 February 1999 against Coventry City. Taricco ended his first season with 13 league appearances. He did not take part in the 1998–99 Football League Cup triumph since he was cup-tied. Taricco earned a regular starting role as left-back with Justin Edinburgh nearing the end