Italy has repeatedly demonstrated to the world an excellent game of football. The national team four times became the owner of the World Cup, the last time in 2006. And even if Italy raised and raised such outstanding strikers as Alessandro del Piero and Luigi Riva, the country also boasts some particularly talented goalkeepers and defenders. The players that will be discussed today are not only the best of the best in Italy, but also all over the world.
10. Fabio Cannavaro
It is considered one of the greatest defenders in the history of football. His nickname "The Berlin Wall" ("Muro di Berlino"), as well as the fact that he became a player of the FIFA year in 2006, only once again confirm the greatness of his name. And recently, he entered the top of the most beautiful football players in the world.
9. Gianni Rivera
One of the most outstanding football players of all time, as well as one of the most famous athletes in Italy. Gianni Rivera is known for his special style of play, which simply captivates the fans.
8. Demetrio Albertini (Demetrio Albertini)
This midfielder has won three titles at the UEFA championships, as well as five titles in the football club of Milan. Albertini is known for its not only spectacular, but also quite tough game.
7. Franco Baresi
Many call him one of the best defenders in the history of football. FC Milan named him the player of the century in 1999. Barezi is one of the few athletes who play in the same team all his life.
6. Gianluigi Buffon
Like many years ago, he still plays for Juventus. The record number of times (8) he was recognized as the best goalkeeper of the year in Serie A. Buffon deservedly bears the status of one of the most successful and outstanding goalkeepers in the history of football.
5. Dino Zoff
Really legendary goalkeeper. He was called the best goalkeeper of the 20th century after Gordon Banks and Lev Yashin. He played in the Italian national team at least 112 times.
4. Alessandro Costacurta (Alessandro Costacurta)
Together with Barezi and Maldini, he managed to create an almost perfect defense that could only be imagined in the 1990s. Despite the fact that Kostakurta can play on the right flank, he showed the best results as the central defender.
3. Paolo Rossi (Paolo Rossi)
The Italian football legend caught his eye during the 1982 UEFA Cup. An excellent striker was remembered for all his ability to help the team even in the most critical situations.
2. Paolo Maldini
Paolo went on a well-deserved rest only at the age of 41, forever writing his name in the history of the football club Milan. Five times Maldini and his team became champions of the league, seven times champions of Serie A. He played for the Italian national team more than 120 times. His nickname "Captain" ("Il Capitano") once again emphasizes the respectful attitude of other players to him.
1. Roberto Baggio (Roberto Baggio)
The only Italian footballer to score goals in three world championships (1990, 1994 and 1998). He received the title of best player in FIFA in 1993. According to the results of an online survey conducted by FIFA in 2000, he took 4th place in the list of the best players of the 20th century (after Maradona, Pele and Eusebio).