3 Greatest Italian Players of All Time

Roberto Baggio

The attacking midfielder, affectionately known as "Il Divino Codino" for his famous ponytail, is a legend who played for most of the top teams in Italy.

Even though Roberto Baggio broke the hearts of Fiorentina fans when he left them for bitter rivals Juventus in the prime of his career, Baggio is a beloved figure in Italy who had magical feet and vision, linking up with teammates and creating moments of sheer brilliance.

More unfortunately, one of the most infamous moments of Italy's history will be tied to him, when he skied a penalty against Brazil in the World Cup final which cost the Azzurri the greatest achievement
in football.

Alessandro Del Piero

                              

The little versatile attacker known as "Il Pinturricchio" is now the all-time Juventus top goalscorer. 

Despite having moved to Australia to finish his career, Alessandro Del Piero leaves Turin as a true footballing icon, displaying his incredible technique and penchant for goal. His signature strike was from outside the box, where he'd put the ball on his famed right foot and curl them into the top corner, an area known in Italian as Il Sette.

Interestingly enough, he was the main reason why Roberto Baggio lost his place at Juventus.

Paolo Maldini

                                                 

When you think about quality defenders, Paolo Maldini is the name everyone wants to be compared to, similar to how "fantasisti" are likened to the great Diego Maradona.

Maldini is a Rossonero legend through and through, captaining the team and bleeding the colors for more than two decades. He played more than 900 competitive games with the Milanese outfit, going down in the record books for being part of, perhaps, the greatest defense in history with the Invincibili of the early '90s.

As a player, Maldini was a superb left-back who could attack just as well as he defended to perfection. Later in his career, he switched to the middle of defense to negate his loss of pace.