Serie A’s Greatest Goal Scorers Since 2000: The Legends Who Defined an Era

February 3, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Serie A has long been a league defined by world-class defenders, tactical brilliance, and legendary goal scorers. Since the turn of the century, Italy’s top flight has witnessed some of the finest attacking talents in football history, each leaving their mark with breathtaking goals and unforgettable performances. From clinical finishers to creative second strikers, these players have consistently found the back of the net, cementing their legacies in the league’s storied history.

15. Marco Di Vaio – 121 Goals

Marco Di Vaio was a clinical striker who showcased his scoring ability across multiple Serie A clubs. Known for his sharp movements and finishing prowess, Di Vaio played for teams like Parma, Lazio, and Bologna. His most prolific spell came at Bologna, where he was the club’s main attacking force. Even as he aged, his goal-scoring instincts remained sharp, making him one of the most respected forwards of his generation.

14. Mauro Icardi – 121 Goals

Mauro Icardi was one of Serie A’s deadliest strikers during his time with Inter Milan. The Argentine forward had an incredible eye for goal, regularly finishing as one of the league’s top scorers. He won the Capocannoniere (Serie A Golden Boot) twice, cementing his status as one of the most lethal poachers of his era. Despite his controversial off-field moments, his contributions to Inter’s attack were undeniable.

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13. Domenico Berardi – 122 Goals

Domenico Berardi is one of the few players on this list who has spent the majority of his career at a single club. The Italian winger has been the heart and soul of Sassuolo, guiding the club with his exceptional goal-scoring and playmaking abilities. His ability to score from long range and take on defenders has made him a nightmare for opposition defenses. Despite interest from bigger clubs, Berardi has remained loyal to Sassuolo, solidifying his legendary status at the club.

12. David Trezeguet – 123 Goals

French striker David Trezeguet was a dominant force in Serie A during his time with Juventus. A natural finisher, Trezeguet formed a lethal partnership with Alessandro Del Piero, helping Juve secure multiple league titles. His ability to score with both feet and his head made him a constant threat inside the box. Even after Juventus’ relegation due to the Calciopoli scandal, Trezeguet stayed with the club and played a crucial role in their return to the top flight.

11. Duván Zapata – 124 Goals

Duvan Zapata — cristiano barni / Shutterstock.com

Duván Zapata has been one of Serie A’s most powerful and effective strikers in recent years. The Colombian forward made a name for himself at Napoli before truly exploding at Atalanta. His strength, speed, and clinical finishing have made him a crucial figure in Atalanta’s attack, helping them become one of Italy’s most exciting teams. Zapata’s ability to hold up play and score in critical moments has earned him a reputation as one of Serie A’s most reliable goal scorers.

10. Gonzalo Higuaín – 125 Goals

Gonzalo Higuaín made a lasting impact on Serie A, starring for Napoli, Juventus, and AC Milan. His most memorable season came in 2015-16 when he broke the Serie A single-season goal record with 36 goals for Napoli. His lethal finishing and movement off the ball made him one of the most feared strikers in Europe. Higuaín continued his success at Juventus, where he won multiple league titles before eventually moving abroad.

9. Paulo Dybala – 128 Goals

Paulo Dybala is one of the most technically gifted players to grace Serie A in the 21st century. His dribbling ability, close control, and precise finishing have made him a fan favorite at both Palermo and Juventus. While often deployed as a second striker, Dybala has consistently contributed with crucial goals. His left foot is a weapon, and his ability to perform in big matches has earned him comparisons to some of the game’s greatest playmakers.

8. Alessandro Del Piero – 129 Goals

A true legend of Juventus and Serie A, Alessandro Del Piero was known for his elegance, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess. He spent nearly two decades at Juventus, guiding them through both triumphant and challenging periods. His free kicks, long-range strikes, and clutch performances made him one of Italy’s most beloved footballers. Even in the latter years of his career, Del Piero remained a consistent goal threat, cementing his legacy as one of Juventus’ greatest-ever players.

7. Zlatan Ibrahimović – 156 Goals

Zlatan Ibrahimovic — LiveMedia / Shutterstock.com

Zlatan Ibrahimović is one of the most dominant forwards Serie A has ever seen. The Swedish striker played for Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan, winning multiple league titles along the way. His combination of strength, technique, and finishing ability made him a nightmare for defenders. Even in the latter stages of his career, Ibrahimović returned to AC Milan and played a key role in their resurgence, proving that class is permanent.

6. Luca Toni – 157 Goals

Luca Toni was a traditional number nine with an incredible eye for goal. The towering striker had a knack for being in the right place at the right time, making him one of the most feared goal scorers of his generation. His best season came in 2005-06 when he won the European Golden Shoe with 31 league goals for Fiorentina. Toni continued to be a reliable goal scorer well into his late 30s, even helping Hellas Verona stay competitive in Serie A.

5. Fabio Quagliarella – 182 Goals

Fabio Quagliarella was known for his spectacular goals, scoring some of the most memorable strikes in Serie A history. His long-range efforts, acrobatic finishes, and intelligent positioning made him a unique forward. Despite playing for multiple clubs, his best years came with Sampdoria, where he won the Capocannoniere at the age of 36. His longevity and consistency have made him one of Serie A’s most respected players.

4. Alberto Gilardino – 185 Goals

Alberto Gilardino was a lethal striker known for his movement inside the box and clinical finishing. He won the Champions League with AC Milan but had his most productive years at Parma and Fiorentina. Gilardino’s ability to score crucial goals made him a key player for the Italian national team, as he played a crucial role in their 2006 World Cup-winning squad. His consistent goal-scoring ability across multiple clubs solidified his place among Serie A’s greats.

3. Ciro Immobile – 201 Goals

Ciro Immobile has been one of Serie A’s most prolific goal scorers in modern times. The Lazio striker has won multiple Capocannoniere titles and even matched Higuaín’s record of 36 goals in a single season. His ability to find space, combined with his composure in front of goal, has made him Lazio’s all-time leading scorer. Immobile’s contributions have kept Lazio competitive in both domestic and European competitions.

2. Francesco Totti – 207 Goals

Francesco Totti is the ultimate one-club legend, spending his entire career at AS Roma. Known for his vision, technique, and leadership, Totti could play as a second striker or attacking midfielder. Despite his playmaking tendencies, he was an outstanding goal scorer, finishing as Serie A’s top scorer in the 2006-07 season. His loyalty to Roma and his countless memorable goals have made him an icon of Italian football.

1. Antonio Di Natale – 209 Goals

Antonio Di Natale was a symbol of loyalty and consistency, spending most of his career at Udinese. Despite playing for a mid-table team, he was Serie A’s top scorer twice and regularly finished among the league’s best goal-getters. His ability to score from any angle, combined with his agility and technical skills, made him a nightmare for defenders. Di Natale turned down multiple offers from bigger clubs to remain at Udinese, where he became a true legend.