The 25 Greatest Italian Footballers of All Time – Ranked
Italy has produced some of the most iconic and influential footballers in the sport’s history. From commanding defenders to elegant midfield maestros and lethal strikers, the Azzurri's legacy is filled with brilliance, longevity, and legendary achievements. Here are the 25 best Italian players ever — ranked in reverse, starting with number 25.
25. Leonardo Bonucci
An intelligent and technically gifted center-back, Bonucci played a pivotal role in Juventus' domestic dominance and Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph. His leadership, ball-playing ability, and partnership with Chiellini defined a defensive era.
24. Giorgio Chiellini
A warrior on the pitch, Chiellini combined raw strength with tactical nous. His tenacity and defensive intelligence helped Italy reclaim European glory in 2021.
23. Daniele De Rossi
Known for his fierce tackling and leadership, De Rossi was a natural successor to Totti at Roma. He was a crucial part of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad.
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22. Christian Vieri
Vieri was a prolific striker with power, movement, and an eye for goal. He shone for Italy at the 1998 World Cup and starred for clubs across Europe.
21. Alessandro Nesta
A defender of grace and poise, Nesta was a master of positioning and anticipation. He won the Champions League and the 2006 World Cup, forming one of the most elegant backlines in history.
20. Ciro Ferrara
Ferrara was a commanding presence at the heart of defense, winning titles with both Napoli and Juventus. He was a model of consistency and leadership at the back.
19. Antonio Di Natale
Though he never featured prominently for Italy at major tournaments, Di Natale was a scoring machine for Udinese. His technique and finishing made him one of Serie A’s most consistent forwards.
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18. Bruno Conti
A dazzling winger with flair and vision, Conti played a key role in Italy’s 1982 World Cup win. He terrorized defenders with his dribbling and creativity.
17. Francesco Graziani
Graziani was a hard-working striker who contributed immensely to Italy’s 1982 World Cup success. His physical style and unselfish play made him a reliable forward.
16. Carlo Ancelotti
Before becoming a coaching legend, Ancelotti was a versatile and intelligent midfielder. He won titles with Roma and Milan and was part of a golden generation.
15. Marco Tardelli
Tardelli’s name is forever linked with his emotional goal celebration in the 1982 final. A tireless midfielder, he provided balance, grit, and goals.
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14. Gianni Rivera
Nicknamed “the Golden Boy,” Rivera was a gifted playmaker who defined elegance in the 1960s. He won the 1969 Ballon d’Or and led Milan to domestic and European glory.
13. Sandro Mazzola
A star of Helenio Herrera’s Grande Inter, Mazzola was known for his intelligence and attacking spark. He was one of Italy’s standout players in the 1960s and early 1970s.
12. Dino Zoff
Zoff captained Italy to World Cup glory in 1982 at the age of 40. A calm, commanding goalkeeper, he was admired for his longevity and composure under pressure.
11. Giacinto Facchetti
Facchetti was a pioneer for attacking full-backs, combining defensive solidity with offensive flair. He was a key figure in Inter’s European success in the 1960s.
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10. Gaetano Scirea
An elegant sweeper, Scirea was the epitome of class and composure in defense. He won every major title with Juventus and lifted the 1982 World Cup with Italy.
9. Fabio Cannavaro
Captain of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning side, Cannavaro had immaculate timing and aerial ability. He remains one of the few defenders to win the Ballon d’Or.
8. Francesco Totti
A symbol of Roma and one of Italy’s most creative minds, Totti dazzled with vision and technique. He was instrumental in Italy’s 2006 World Cup success and stayed loyal to one club throughout his career.
7. Alessandro Del Piero
Juventus’ all-time icon, Del Piero was known for his dribbling, free kicks, and leadership. He scored over 300 goals for the Bianconeri and won the World Cup in 2006.
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6. Giuseppe Meazza
Italy’s first football superstar, Meazza was a dominant forward who led the Azzurri to two World Cup titles in the 1930s. Inter and Milan’s shared stadium bears his name.
5. Andrea Pirlo
Pirlo orchestrated games with unmatched vision and passing. He was central to Italy’s 2006 World Cup win and enjoyed immense success at both Milan and Juventus.
4. Gianluigi Buffon
One of the greatest goalkeepers in history, Buffon was a rock for club and country. He lifted the World Cup in 2006 and amassed over 1,100 career appearances.
3. Franco Baresi
A defensive genius, Baresi captained AC Milan through its golden age and was a master of positioning. His reading of the game and leadership made him a legend.
2. Roberto Baggio
The “Divine Ponytail” was a genius with the ball, blending dribbling, passing, and goal-scoring. Despite the heartbreak of 1994, Baggio’s brilliance made him a Ballon d’Or winner and eternal fan favorite.
1. Paolo Maldini
The embodiment of class and consistency, Maldini spent 25 years at AC Milan, winning five European Cups. Whether at left-back or center-back, he set the gold standard for defensive excellence.
