Serie A Superstars: A Tribute to the League’s Greatest Players

Serie A has long been a league known for its magnificent wealth of footballing talent, pitting fearsome strikeforces vs the most formidable defenders. An incredible spectacle of football, the league has hosted and showcased some of the most iconic games in the sport’s history. Leaving an indelible mark not only on their clubs but on football itself, we feel that these players who have graced Serie A with their footballing presence deserve an honourable mention for their impact on the Italian game.

The Current Crop of Serie A players

As the Serie A landscape continues to evolve, a new generation of players is making waves, and one in particular could very well find themselves in the conversation for all-time greats in the future. Lautaro Martínez of Inter has been a prolific force since his transfer in 2018, netting over 170 goals in 368 appearances for the Nerazzurri and becoming the club’s third all-time top goalscorer, surpassing Roberto Boninsegna.

The Argentine has some seriously stiff competition in the attacking department of all-time greats, with some of these featuring in this list. His combination of skill, speed, finishing and ability to link up with his teammates has made him an extremely valuable player for the club.

This red-hot form has catapulted Internazionale to the top of Serie A, with odds from sweeps coins casino and online bookmakers placing them at 1/14 to win the club’s 21st Championship. Their cross-city rivals, who are currently sitting in 2nd place, look to be the biggest challengers but are 7/1 to win the division.

*DO YOU KNOW* Why is Inter called Internazionale? The club’s name derives from its founding members’ wish to accept both foreign players and Italians.

Players like Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric are worth an honourable mention for their previous achievements across 1500+ games, during which they showcased their extraordinary talents and leadership. Although at the latter stages of their career, they still have that world-class ability to change a game. Domenico Berardi, who is also approaching the twilight of his career, deserves huge admiration and respect for his consistency in Italy. Despite his links to several higher-profile clubs, he has remained loyal to Sassuolo, amassing over 34,000 minutes for the Black and Greens.

Despite these players’ accomplishments in the game, they would find it extremely difficult to get a place in the list below.

1. Paolo Maldini

Nationality: Italian

Clubs: Milan

Maldini is often regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history. Spending his entire career at Milan, he made over 1,000 appearances for the club, winning seven Serie A titles and five Champions League trophies. His tactical intelligence, exceptional positioning, and leadership on the field set him apart. Maldini’s legacy is one of elegance and excellence, making him a true icon of the sport.

2. Alessandro Del Piero

Nationality: Italian

Clubs: Juventus

The quintessential Juventus forward is celebrated for his incredible dribbling skills and knack for scoring in crucial moments. Over his 19-year career with the Bianconeri, he became the club’s all-time top scorer, netting 290 goals with Juve. Del Piero’s flair and charisma on the pitch, coupled with his loyalty to the club, have made him a beloved figure in Italian football.

3. Roberto Baggio

Nationality: Italian

Clubs: Fiorentina, Juventus, Milan, Bologna

Affectionately known as “Il Divin Codino”, which translates to The Divine Ponytail, and no wonder, that haircut was tremendous. His creativity, technical skills, and ability to perform under pressure were unmatched. Baggio scored approximately 300 goals and even won the Ballon d’Or in 1993, solidifying his status as a footballing great. His unique playing style and flair made him a joy to watch, and his impact on the game is still felt across Italy today.

4. Franco Baresi

Nationality: Italian

Clubs: Milan

A legendary figure in Italian football, known for his exceptional defensive skills and leadership qualities. Over his 20-year career at Milan, he made more than 700 appearances and won six league titles. Baresi’s ability to read the game and command his defence was pivotal in Milan’s dominance during the late 1980s and early 1990s, earning him a place among the all-time greats.

5. Diego Maradona

Nationality: Argentine

Clubs: Napoli

Diego Maradona, often hailed as one of the greatest players of all time, had a transformative impact on Serie A during his time at Napoli. He led the club to two Serie A titles and remains a beloved figure among fans. His influence extended far beyond statistics, as he brought joy and excitement to the game, captivating young and old alike with his extraordinary talent.

6. Francesco Totti

Nationality: Italian

Clubs: Roma

Francesco Totti, the eternal captain of Roma, is a symbol of loyalty and excellence. Spending his entire career at the club, from youth to retirement, Totti is known for sticking with his club through the best and worst of times. He scored 300-plus goals in Serie A, making him one of the league’s all-time top scorers. Totti’s charisma, which translated through to his skill on the ball, has endeared him to fans, and his legacy in Italian football is truly remarkable. The ultimate one-club man.

7. Giuseppe Meazza

Nationality: Italian

Clubs: Inter, Milan

Meazza is a name that resonates deeply in the annals of Italian history. As a forward, he was known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability. Meazza netted over 350 goals in Serie A and played a crucial role in Italy’s World Cup victories in 1934 and 1938. His impact on the game was profound, and he remains a revered figure in Serie A’s history.

8. Gianluigi Buffon

Nationality: Italian

Clubs: Parma, Juventus

One of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. His career in Serie A has been nothing short of legendary, with over 680 appearances for Juventus alone. Buffon’s shot-stopping ability, leadership, and longevity in the game have earned him numerous accolades, including ten Serie A titles. His presence on the pitch has often been a game-changer, inspiring confidence in his teammates with some absolutely ridiculous saves.

9. Marco van Basten

Nationality: Dutch

Clubs: MilanThe Dutch striker is remembered for his incredible goal-scoring ability and technical finesse. During his time at Milan, he won three Serie A titles and was instrumental in the club’s success in Europe. Van Basten netted 125 goals in Serie A, many of which showcased his artistry and precision. His contributions to the game have left an enduring legacy. Some of the goals he scored are absolutely mind-blowing, definitely worth a re-watch online.

10. Zlatan Ibrahimović

Nationality: Swedish

Clubs: Juventus, Inter, Milan

Zlatan Ibrahimović is a footballing phenomenon known for his incredible strength, skill, and goal-scoring prowess. Zlatan’s larger-than-life personality and on-field brilliance have made him a fan favourite and a true icon of the sport. Perhaps his inclusion on this list is controversial and can be swapped out for any other Serie A icon, but this man seemed to defy the laws of physics at times between the white lines.