Italy has always been a big deal in world football. The fans, the amazing plays, and the clever tactics on the field – Italy’s got it all. And at the heart of Italian soccer, there are some incredible players. In this blog post, we’re going to give a big shout-out to the 25 best Italian footballers who’ve made a huge impact on the game.
These guys didn’t just play for their country; they also lit up stadiums all over the world with their skills. Some of them even helped Italy win the World Cup! Others became legendary in Italy’s Serie A league. Whether you’re a superfan of the Italian national team, a Serie A follower, or just someone who loves watching amazing soccer, you’re in for a treat. We’re going to celebrate these players’ talents, hard work, and unforgettable moments.
We’ll take you on a trip through their careers, their big wins, and the times they left us all in awe. From the old days of Italian soccer to the modern game we love today, these 25 Italian soccer legends have made a mark that won’t ever fade. So, let’s get ready to kick off and remember the incredible things these players did on soccer fields all around the world. It’s time to honour the top 25 best Italian soccer players ever.
1. Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini stands as one of Italy’s all-time football greats, recognized for his extraordinary career in both club and international football. Notably, Maldini spent his entire club career with A.C. Milan, amassing a record-breaking 1,030 appearances and securing numerous titles, including seven Serie A championships and five UEFA Champions League trophies.
Maldini’s impact extended to the Italian national team, where he earned 126 caps and played a vital role in Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup victory, serving as captain. His defensive prowess, marked by impeccable tackling and positioning, contributed to his status as one of the finest defenders ever.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Maldini’s enduring legacy continues, as he remains connected to football, particularly at A.C. Milan. His family’s involvement in the sport further cements his influence, with his father Cesare Maldini having coached the Italian national team. In sum, Paolo Maldini’s career embodies excellence and dedication, solidifying his place as one of the best Italian footballers of all time.
2. Franco Baresi
Franco Baresi is unequivocally one of Italy’s footballing legends, celebrated for his remarkable career with A.C. Milan and the Italian national team. Baresi, a true one-club man, spent his entire club career with Milan, amassing over 700 appearances. His longevity and unwavering commitment to the Rossoneri exemplify his legendary status.
At Milan, Baresi was instrumental in the club’s success during the 1980s and 1990s, clinching six Serie A titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies. His exceptional defensive abilities, marked by precise tackling and astute positioning, made him one of the most respected defenders in the history of the sport.
On the international stage, Baresi contributed significantly to the Italian national team, earning 81 caps and representing Italy in three World Cups. His leadership and defensive prowess were instrumental in Italy’s third-place finish in the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
Franco Baresi’s legacy extends beyond his playing days, as he remains an enduring symbol of excellence in Italian football. His impact on both A.C. Milan and the Italian national team, coupled with his exceptional defensive skills, solidified his place as one of the best Italian footballers of all time.
3. Alessandro Del Piero
Alessandro Del Piero is undoubtedly among the best Italian footballers in history, earning acclaim for his exceptional career both at the club and international levels. Del Piero’s illustrious club career was primarily with Juventus, where he made over 700 appearances and became the club’s all-time top scorer, underlining his legendary status.
Del Piero’s success at Juventus includes six Serie A titles and a UEFA Champions League triumph in 1996. His versatility as an attacking player, renowned for his dribbling skills and precise finishing, solidified his reputation as one of the most iconic figures in Italian football.
On the international stage, Del Piero was a vital part of the Italian national team, earning 91 caps and contributing to their victory in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. His performances in the tournament showcased his ability to perform on the grandest stage, further cementing his legacy as one of the best Italian footballers of all time.
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4. Roberto Baggio
Roberto Baggio undeniably ranks among the best Italian footballers of all time, celebrated for his extraordinary career at both club and international levels. Baggio’s club journey included stints at several top Italian clubs, with perhaps his most notable spell at Juventus, where he achieved great success. He accumulated over 500 Serie A appearances during his club career.
One of Baggio’s most impressive feats was winning the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1993 while playing for Juventus, a testament to his exceptional skills and influence on the game. Baggio’s remarkable dribbling ability, precise free-kicks, and scoring prowess made him a revered figure in Italian football.
On the international stage, Baggio played a pivotal role for the Italian national team, earning 56 caps and representing his country in three World Cup tournaments. He notably guided Italy to the 1994 FIFA World Cup final, where his performances were instrumental in the team’s journey to the final match.
5. Dino Zoff
Dino Zoff is often regarded as one of the greatest Italian footballers ever, and there are several good reasons for that. He was an incredible goalkeeper who had an amazing career, both at the club and international levels.
At the club level, Zoff made a name for himself primarily at Juventus. During his time with the club, he won an impressive six Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup. His ability to stop shots, his lightning-quick reflexes, and his leadership from the back made him a legend in Italian football.
But it was on the international stage that Zoff truly shined. He earned 112 caps for the Italian national team, a record at the time. He captained Italy to a historic victory in the 1982 FIFA World Cup, and what’s even more impressive is that he did this at the age of 40, making him the oldest goalkeeper to ever win the World Cup. His calm and composed presence in goal played a huge role in Italy’s success.
6. Giuseppe Meazza
At the club level, Meazza’s name is forever associated with Inter Milan and AC Milan. He won three Serie A titles with Inter and two more with AC Milan, showcasing his versatility and scoring prowess as an attacking player.
Internationally, Meazza was a vital part of the Italian national team, earning 53 caps and scoring a remarkable 33 goals. He played a pivotal role in Italy’s triumphs in the 1934 and 1938 FIFA World Cups, earning the Golden Foot award as the tournament’s top scorer in 1938.
Giuseppe Meazza, an Italian football icon, left an indelible mark both for his club and country during his illustrious career.
7. Giacinto Facchetti
At the club level, Facchetti achieved considerable success, winning four Serie A titles and two European Cups (now the UEFA Champions League) with Inter Milan. His ability to contribute defensively and support the attack made him a well-rounded player and a true legend of Italian football.
For Italy, he played 94 games. He was part of the team that reached the final of the 1968 European Championship and the 1970 FIFA World Cup. This shows how consistent and talented he was.
Overall, Giacinto Facchetti is unquestionably one of the best Italian footballers of all time, celebrated for his exceptional contributions at both club and international levels.
Facchetti enjoyed a remarkable club career with Inter Milan, where he made 634 appearances, primarily as a left-back. His leadership and versatility were evident as he served as Inter’s captain for many years.
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8. Sandro Mazzola
Mazzola’s achievements at Inter Milan include four Serie A titles and two European Cups (now known as the UEFA Champions League). His incredible skill and versatility as an attacking midfielder made him a pivotal player, and he was often regarded as one of the finest playmakers of his era.
On the international stage, Mazzola earned 70 caps for the Italian national team, representing his country in three FIFA World Cups. He was an integral part of Italy’s squad that reached the final of the 1970 World Cup, showcasing his consistency and talent on the global stage.
Sandro Mazzola is rightfully recognized as one of the best Italian footballers in history, known for his significant contributions at both club and international levels. Mazzola spent the entirety of his club career at Inter Milan, where he became a legendary figure. With over 550 appearances, he remains an icon of Italian football.
9. Fabio Cannavaro
Internationally, Cannavaro’s contributions were exceptional. He earned 136 caps for the Italian national team, a record for an outfield player at the time. He played a pivotal role in Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup triumph, leading the Azzurri to victory and earning the FIFA World Player of the Year award the same year.
At the club level, Cannavaro made over 500 appearances for various clubs, including Napoli, Parma, and Real Madrid. He notably captained Italy’s Parma to UEFA Cup victory in 1999 and achieved remarkable success with Real Madrid, winning two La Liga titles.
Fabio Cannavaro ranks among the best Italian footballers ever, primarily due to his remarkable achievements at both the club and international levels. Cannavaro, a world-class defender, displayed his defensive prowess throughout his career.
10. Paolo Rossi
At the club level, Rossi had a prolific career in Italy, playing for several clubs, including Juventus and Milan. He secured two Serie A titles with Juventus and later played a vital role in Milan’s Serie A and European Cup triumphs.
However, it was on the international stage that Rossi etched his name into football history. He earned 48 caps for the Italian national team and was instrumental in Italy’s 1982 FIFA World Cup victory. Rossi’s six goals in that tournament, including a memorable hat-trick against Brazil in the knockout stages, earned him the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer and the Golden Ball as the best player.
11. Alessandro Nesta
During his club career, Nesta was a defensive stalwart who excelled at SS Lazio and AC Milan. He played over 400 Serie A matches, helping Lazio secure the Serie A title in 2000. His move to AC Milan further solidified his status as one of the game’s best defenders, where he clinched two Serie A titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies.
On the international stage, Nesta earned 78 caps for Italy, playing a pivotal role in their 2006 FIFA World Cup triumph. His exceptional defensive skills, precise tackling, and ability to read the game made him an integral part of Italy’s success during that tournament.
Key stats aside, Alessandro Nesta’s legacy is defined by his excellence as a defender and his invaluable contributions to both club and country. His ability to perform at the highest level consistently and his role in Italy’s World Cup victory highlight his place among the best Italian footballers of all time.
12. Gianluigi Buffon
Buffon’s remarkable career is filled with accolades, including multiple Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year awards and FIFA World Cup records.
At the club level, he spent the majority of his career with Juventus, amassing over 650 appearances. During his time with Juventus, Buffon secured numerous Serie A titles, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. His agility, shot-stopping abilities, and leadership on the pitch have been instrumental in Juventus’ successes.
For the Italian national team, Buffon’s impact has been equally profound. He earned a record 176 caps, making him Italy’s most-capped player. Buffon’s crowning achievement came in the 2006 FIFA World Cup when he captained Italy to victory, showcasing his incredible skills under pressure.
13. Marco Tardelli
In truth, stats and numbers can’t capture the true essence of Tardelli’s contributions, his indomitable spirit, tenacity, and ability to perform on the grandest stage make him one of the best Italian footballers ever.
At the club level, Tardelli had a distinguished career primarily with Juventus, making over 300 appearances for the club. During his time with Juventus, he clinched several Serie A titles and played a pivotal role in the team’s successes. His versatility in midfield and his work ethic made him a standout player.
However, it was his impact on the Italian national team that truly cemented his legacy. Tardelli earned 81 caps for Italy and was a crucial part of the squad that triumphed in the 1982 FIFA World Cup. His memorable goal and emotional celebration in the final became iconic moments in football history.
14. Gaetano Scirea
Scirea’s achievements extend beyond trophies and statistics.
For the Italian national team, Scirea earned 78 caps and played an instrumental role in Italy’s 1982 FIFA World Cup triumph. His consistent and impeccable performances in defence were key to Italy’s success during that tournament.
However, at the club level, Scirea spent the majority of his illustrious career with Juventus, amassing over 550 appearances. During his time with the club, he secured numerous Serie A titles and played a pivotal role in Juventus’ defensive line. His composure, exceptional reading of the game, and precise passing made him an iconic figure in Italian football.
15. Luigi Riva
Riva’s illustrious career was marked by his proficiency as a centre-forward. He spent the majority of his club career with Cagliari, where he scored an astonishing 164 goals in 315 appearances. His goal-scoring exploits in Serie A earned him recognition as one of the most lethal strikers in Italian football history.
On the international stage, Riva earned 42 caps and was Italy’s top scorer for many years. His most notable achievement came in the 1968 European Championship when he led Italy to victory, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer. His contributions as a centre-forward were vital to Italy’s success during that tournament.
16. Andrea Pirlo
Pirlo’s illustrious career as a central midfielder spanned several top clubs, including AC Milan and Juventus. With Milan, he won two Serie A titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies, showcasing his midfield mastery. Pirlo’s vision, precise passing, and ability to dictate the tempo of a match made him one of the most influential midfielders of his generation.
On the international stage, Pirlo earned 116 caps and played a pivotal role in Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup victory. His composure under pressure, accurate set-piece deliveries, and creative playmaking were vital to Italy’s success during that tournament.
Andrea Pirlo’s legacy as one of the best Italian footballers is intertwined with his remarkable skills and intelligence as a central midfielder.
17. Gianfranco Zola
Gianfranco Zola’s legacy as one of the best Italian footballers is characterized by his remarkable flair and creativity as an attacking midfielder.
Zola’s remarkable career in club football was marked by his time at Chelsea, where he became an iconic figure. During his seven-year stint with the club, he showcased his extraordinary dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring ability. Zola played a crucial role in Chelsea’s successes, helping them win two FA Cups, a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, and other domestic honours.
On the international stage, Zola earned 35 caps and represented Italy in major tournaments. His performances for the national team were marked by his technical brilliance and versatility as an attacking midfielder.
18. Giorgio Chinaglia
On the international stage, Chinaglia earned 14 caps and represented Italy in major tournaments. Although his international career was relatively short, his impact as a goal-scorer was well-acknowledged.
Chinaglia’s illustrious career as a striker saw him achieve considerable success with Lazio, where he scored over 100 goals in Serie A. His goal-scoring prowess played a pivotal role in Lazio’s Serie A triumph in the 1973-74 season. Chinaglia’s ability to find the back of the net consistently earned him a reputation as one of Italy’s premier strikers.
19. Romeo Benetti
Benetti’s career was marked by his time at Juventus, where he became a crucial part of the midfield. He played a pivotal role in Juventus’ domestic successes, helping the club secure Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup. His reputation as a tenacious and hardworking midfielder made him an asset in the heart of the team.
On the international stage, Benetti earned 55 caps and was an essential part of the Italian national team during the 1970s. He represented Italy in major tournaments and was known for his combative style in midfield, providing balance to the team.
Romeo Benetti’s legacy as one of the best Italian footballers is defined by his tenacity and contributions as a central midfielder.
20. Antonio Cabrini
Antonio Cabrini is widely regarded as one of the best Italian footballers of all time, notably for his versatility and contributions as a left-back for both club and country.
Cabrini’s esteemed career was primarily associated with Juventus, where he made over 400 appearances. He played a crucial role in Juventus’ Serie A successes and was part of the legendary team that won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1984. His abilities as a left-back, known for both solid defending and attacking contributions, made him an integral part of the squad.
On the international stage, Cabrini earned 73 caps for Italy. His notable achievement came in the 1982 FIFA World Cup, where he played a vital role in Italy’s World Cup victory, showcasing his consistency and reliability as a left-back.
21. Francesco Totti
Over two decades, Totto made more than 750 appearances for Roma, becoming their all-time top scorer. His ability to create scoring opportunities and his lethal finishing made him a fan favourite and a club legend.
With the national team, Totti earned 58 caps for Italy and played a vital role in the Azzurri’s 2006 FIFA World Cup triumph. His creativity and vision as an attacking midfielder were pivotal during Italy’s victorious campaign.
22. Alessandro Costacurta
Costacurta’s distinguished club career was primarily with AC Milan, where he made over 660 appearances. His time at Milan was synonymous with success, including seven Serie A titles and five UEFA Champions League trophies. His defensive solidity and consistency were instrumental in Milan’s dominance during the late 1980s and 1990s.
On the international stage, Costacurta earned 59 caps and represented Italy in multiple FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship tournaments. His composure and defensive expertise were vital to Italy’s performances during these international competitions.
Alessandro Costacurta’s legacy among the best Italian footballers is marked by his unwavering reliability as a central defender and his role in AC Milan’s and Italy’s achievements.
23. Andrea Barzagli
Barzagli’s club career was defined by his time at Juventus, where he played a key role in their Serie A dominance. He won multiple league titles with the club, showcasing his defensive prowess and ability to read the game. His consistency and leadership in defence were vital to Juventus’ success.
Andrea Barzagli earned 73 caps for Italy and played an integral part in Italy’s strong defensive performances. He was a key figure during Italy’s run to the UEFA European Championship final in 2012 and their third-place finish in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
24. Gennaro Gattuso
Gennaro Gattuso, often referred to as “Ringhio” for his fierce and tenacious style of play, is a renowned Italian footballer and manager. Known for his gritty midfield presence, Gattuso established himself as one of the best Italian footballers during his playing career.
As a midfielder, Gattuso had a successful stint with AC Milan, where he made over 450 appearances. He played a key role in Milan’s midfield, contributing to their Serie A titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies. His relentless work rate, tackling ability, and ball-winning skills made him an essential part of Milan’s success.
Gattuso earned 73 caps for Italy and played a crucial part in the Azzurri’s victory in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. His contributions as a defensive midfielder provided stability and support for Italy’s midfield.
