Find out the 10 best Italian footballers in the history of the sport
Football
Ranking the 15 greatest Italian defenders of all time
Kevin Omuya, Jackline Wangare
updated at April 19, 2024 at 12:26 PM
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Many of the world's greatest football players have called Italy home. Italy boasts some of the top clubs and a national squad that consistently competes at a high level. The national team has won the FIFA World Cup four times (1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006), second only to Brazil's five trophies. They also have two European Championship titles, from 1968 and 2020. These greatest Italian defenders are famous for their formidable defence, contributing to football success.
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Table of Сontents:
The list of the greatest Italian defenders of all time takes into account a defender's individual skill, their impact on their teams' success, and their influence on the way the game itself was played. Since many of the greatest defenders in football history have been Italians, they are known for having excellent, powerful, patriotic defenders who play like they are saving their lives on the field. Their football defence has a global reputation.
Greatest Italian defenders of all time: Top 15
No | Name |
1 | Paolo Maldini |
2 | Franco Baresi |
3 | Gaetano Scirea |
4 | Giacinto Facchetti |
5 | Giuseppe Bergomi |
6 | Fabio Cannavaro |
7 | Alessandro Nesta |
8 | Claudio Gentile |
9 | Antonio Cabrini |
10 | Tarcisio Burgnich |
11 | Gianluca Zambrotta |
12 | Giovanni Trapattoni |
13 | Alessandro Costacurta |
14 | Fulvio Collovati |
15 | Aristide Guarnieri |
Top 15 Italian defenders of all time
The following is a list of the top 15 Italian defenders of all time. Players from different eras are represented on the list, but they all have the quality of having played the game with the creativity, passion, and drive to win that made them truly great.
15. Aristide Guarnieri
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- Full name: Aristide Guarneri
- Date of birth: 7 March 1938
- Age: 86 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Cremona, Italy
Aristide Guarneri was an Italian football player and manager who left a significant mark on Italian football during the early to mid-20th century. One of Guarneri's most notable achievements came in 1934 when he guided Juventus to their first-ever Serie A title. Aristide Guarneri's coaching philosophy was based on discipline, tactical organization, and teamwork.
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14. Fulvio Collovati
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- Full name: Fulvio Collovati
- Date of birth: 9 May 1957
- Age: 66 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Teor, Italy
Fulvio Collovati is a former Italian footballer who gained prominence as a central defender during his playing career. He is best known for his contributions to the Italian national team, particularly during the 1982 FIFA World Cup, where Italy emerged as champions. After retiring as a player, Fulvio Collovati transitioned into a career in football punditry and commentary.
13. Alessandro Costacurta
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- Full name: Alessandro Costacurta
- Date of birth: 24 April 1966
- Age: 57 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Jerago con Orago, Italy
Alessandro Costacurta is a retired professional footballer who is best known for his long and successful career at AC Milan. Primarily a central defender, Alessandro Costacurta was renowned for his intelligence, positioning, and leadership on the field.
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12. Giovanni Trapattoni
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- Full name: Giovanni Trapattoni
- Date of birth: 17 March 1939
- Age: 85 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Cusano Milanino, Italy
Giovanni Trapattoni, also known as "Trap" or "Il Trap", is a legendary figure in Italian football, renowned for his achievements as both a player and manager. Primarily he was defensive midfielder for AC Milan, where he spent most of his career. Giovanni Trapattoni managed several top clubs across Europe, including AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Benfica.
11. Gianluca Zambrotta
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- Full name: Gianluca Zambrotta Ufficiale
- Date of birth: 19 February 1977
- Age: 47 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Como, Italy
Gianluca Zambrotta is a retired Italian footballer who is widely regarded as one of the best full-backs of his generation. He began his professional career with Como in Serie B before moving to Bari in Serie A. However, it was during his time at Juventus (1999-2006) where he truly made his mark. Gianluca Zambrotta was one of the best Italian defenders in Juventus team. They won multiple Serie A titles and reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2003.
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10. Tarcisio Burgnich
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- Full name: Tarcisio Burgnich
- Date of birth: 25 April 1939
- Place of birth: Ruda, Italy
Tarcisio Burgnich is among the top 10 greatest italian defenders. Burgnich is most known for his time with Internazionale and Napoli. He has won a Serie A championship with Juventus and appeared in 16 games for the club.
Burgnich has played 471 games for Internazionale, during which time the club has won 4 Serie A titles, 2 European Champion Clubs' Cups, and 2 Intercontinental Cups. In addition, Tarcisio Burgnich has made 121 games for Napoli and won the Italian Cup with them in 1976.
9. Antonio Cabrini
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- Full name: Antonio Cabrini
- Date of birth: 8 October 1957
- Age: 66 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Cremona, Italy
Former player and current manager for the Italian professional football team Antonio Cabrini he won the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Cabrini, one of the greatest Italian defenders of all time, played most of his career for Juventus and won every club honour possible while wearing the Bianconeri jersey.
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During his 13 years with Juventus, he has attended 440 games and won 6 Serie A championships, 2 Italian Cups, 1 European Champion Clubs' Cup, 1 UEFA Cup, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 1 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and 1 UEFA Super Cup. With the guidance of the famous Dino Zoff, Cabrini put together one of the best defensive units in football history.
8. Claudio Gentile
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- Full name: Claudio Gentile
- Date of birth: 27 September 1953
- Age: 70 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Tripoli, Libya
Claudio is widely considered among the all-time great Italian defenders and top defenders of his age. He spent the majority of his career in Juventus, making 411 appearances for Bianconeri in 11 years and winning numerous titles and honours; he will be remembered by fans of both clubs, as well as by all Italians, for his role in Italy's 1982 World Cup victory; he made 71 appearances for the national team.
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With him on the team, Juventus won six Serie A championships, two Italian Cups, a UEFA Cup, and a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. Claudio Gentile was a brutal and relentless defender who could contribute well from various places on the field.
7. Alessandro Nesta
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- Full name: Alessandro Nesta Ufficiale
- Date of birth: 19 March 1976
- Age: 48 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Rome, Italy
Alessandro Nesta is an Italian professional football manager and former player who manages Serie B club Frosinone. Nesta is deservedly considered one of the best Italian defenders ever and known to be one of the best centre-backs ever. Nesta spent most of his career in Lazio and AC Milan and has won some prestigious awards.
Nesta has played in 261 matches for Lazio, where he earned 1 Serie A title in 2000, 2 Italian Cups, 1 UEFA Super Cup and 1 UEFA Cup winners' cup before joining AC Milan in 2002. Alessandro Nesta stayed at San Siro for a decade. He played in 326 matches and helped them secure 2 Champions League titles, 2 Serie A titles, 1 Italian Cup, 2 Italian Super Cups, 1 FIFA Clubs World Cup and 2 UEFA Super Cups.
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Moreover, he has also played in 78 caps for the national team, including 3 World Cup tournaments and 3 European championships. He was a part of the team that won the 2006 World Cup.
6. Fabio Cannavaro
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- Full name: Fabio Cannavaro Ufficiale
- Date of birth: 13 September 1973
- Age: 50 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Naples, Italy
After Fabio Cannavaro led Italy to the 2006 World Cup title as captain, he became the only defender to win the Ballon d'Or and the Best FIFA Men's Player award in the same year. As a defender, he is among the finest of his day and the best in Italian football history.
As a player, he has played for Parma Calcio 1913, Napoli, Juventus, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan. From 2008 till his retirement in 2011, he worked in the United Arab Emirates. Before going to Inter in 2002, the elegant defender won one UEFA Cup, one Italian Super Cup, and two Italian Cups with Parma, where he made 228 appearances.
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5. Giuseppe Bergomi
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- Full name: Giuseppe Bergomi
- Date of birth: 22 December 1963
- Age: 60 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Milan, Italy
This renowned defender is widely considered one of the all-time greats in his position for his time spent playing exclusively for Inter Milan. He's played in 754 games for the team and been an integral part of their success, helping them win two Serie A championships, one Italian Cup, one Italian Super Cup, and three UEFA Cups. Giuseppe Bergomi played for the Italian team that triumphed in the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
4. Giacinto Facchetti
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- Full name: Giacinto Facchett
- Date of birth: 18 July 1942
- Died: 4 September 2006 (aged 64 years)
- Place of birth: Milan, Italy
Facchetti, one of the finest Italian defenders ever, participated in 637 games over 18 years and scored 76 goals, an incredible feat for a defender then.
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Faccheti, widely considered one of the finest Italian defenders of all time, had a crucial role in the club, winning four Serie A championships, two European Champion Clubs' Cups, one Italian Cup, and two intercontinental cups because of his stellar defensive play. Giacinto Facchetti has been dismissed once in his professional career and has finished second in Ballon d'Or.
3. Gaetano Scirea
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- Full name: Gaetano Scirea
- Date of birth: 25 May 1953
- Died: 3 September 1989 (age 36 years)
- Place of birth: Cernusco sul Naviglio, Italy
Scirea is one of six players in the sport's history to win every international club title recognized by FIFA and UEFA. The renowned defender spent most of his career (14 years) with Juventus, where he became one of nine players to win all three major UEFA competitions (he also played two years with Atalanta).
He appeared in 550 games for the club. During that time, they won seven Serie A championships, two Italian Cups, one European Champion Clubs' Cup, one UEFA Cup, one Intercontinental Cup, one UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and one UEFA Super Cup. Gaetano Scirea is a World Cup champion with 78 caps for his country.
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2. Franco Baresi
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- Full name: Franchino Baresi
- Date of birth: 8 May 1960
- Age: 63 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Travagliato, Italy
He is regarded as one of the greatest centre-backs in history and the greatest Italian defenders ever. He played his entire 20-year career for AC Milan, where he captained the team for 15 years, made 714 appearances, and won numerous championships.
Baresi won the 1982 FIFA World Cup and has participated in 81 games for his country. Franco Baresi was the captain national squad; the captain finished second to Brazil in the 1994 World Cup, which was decided on penalties. The 1990 World Cup All-Star team also included him.
1. Paolo Maldini
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- Full name: Paolo Cesare Maldini
- Date of birth: 26 June 1968
- Age: 55 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Milan, Italy
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Maldini is, without a doubt, the best defender of all time. After appearing in 901 games for AC Milan legend, he is considered a club legend. Paolo Maldini is among the all-time best Italian defenders.
With Milan, he spent 25 years and won seven Serie A titles, three Champions Leagues, two Cups for European Champions Clubs, one National Cup, five Super Cups, one FIFA Club World Cup, two Intercontinental Cups, and four UEFA Super Cups.
In 2004, at age 39, he won the Serie A award for best defender; in 2003, he won the UEFA Club Football Award for best defender. When he retired in 2009 after 25 years of service, Milan honoured him by retiring his jersey number (3).
Who is the best defender in history?
Paolo Maldini was legendary as a defender and is still regarded as one of AC Milan's all-time greats. He is a cultural hero for Italians and Europeans alike.
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Why are Italian defenders so good?
Italian defenders aren't just tough and gritty. They are skilled at positioning, reading the game, and making crucial tackles. They are also known for their dedication to winning.
Who is the best Italian defenders right now in 2024?
Giorgio Scalvini is a young defender who is making a name for himself at Atalanta. Scalvini is a tall, physical defender who is also good on the ball. Other current Italian defenders include Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Frattesi and Leonardo Bonucci.
Who was the best Italian defenders FIFA 23?
According to FCM, some of the best Italian defenders during the FiFA 2023 are players like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Rafael Tolói, Francesco Acerbi and Leonardo Spinazzola.
Who is the legendary defender of AC Milan?
The legendary defender most associated with AC Milan is Paolo Maldini. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time, having played his entire club career for AC Milan and captained the team for many years.
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Is Chiellini one of the best defenders of all time?
Chiellini is regarded as one of the best defenders. He has won numerous trophies including numerous Serie A titles with Juventus and a Euro 2020 win with Italy. His leadership and defensive skills were crucial to these victories.
Italy has produced many skilled, graceful defenders who have given their all for their club and country. There is no doubt that a new generation of footballers is on the way to joining the ranks of the greatest Italian defenders.
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Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.
Jackline Wangare
Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Sports Brief covering sports and lifestyle topics. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University and as a Content Creator (Briefly.co.za, Legit.ng, Tuko.co.ke, Yen.com.gh).
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