Famous Italian Football Players

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 1 
Gianluigi Buffon
(One of the Greatest Goalkeepers of All Time)
Gianluigi Buffon
63
Birthdate: January 28, 1978
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Carrara, Italy
Gianluigi Buffon is an Italian footballer, often considered the greatest goalkeeper of all time. The first goalkeeper to receive the Golden Foot Award, Buffon was included in Pelé's FIFA 100 list in 2004. He is also well-known for his charity work; in 2019, he was named a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations' World Food Programme.
 2 
Francesco Totti
(Italian Former Professional Football Player Who Played as an Attacking Midfielder and as a Forward)
Francesco Totti
47
Birthdate: September 27, 1976
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Rome, Italy

Italian footballer Francesco Totti is known for his 25-year stint with Roma. Nicknamed “The Golden Boy” and “The Gladiator,” he led Roma to win the Serie A and the Coppa Italia. He was also part of the 2006 FIFA World Cup-winning Italian team. He was named to Pele’s FIFA 100

 3 
Mario Balotelli
(Italian Football Player Who Plays as a Striker)
Mario Balotelli
43
Birthdate: August 12, 1990
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Palermo, Italy
The talented but crazy Italian striker Mario Balotelli is one of the most intriguing and exciting footballers around. Love him or hate him, TIME Magazine in 2013 called him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
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 4 
Roberto Baggio
(Italian Former Professional Football Player Who Played as an Attacking Midfielder or as a Forward)
Roberto Baggio
30
Birthdate: February 18, 1967
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Caldogno, Italy
Italian former footballer Roberto Baggio is the only Italian to score goals in three World Cups, in 1990, 1994, and 1998. He was the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1993. Nicknamed “The Divine Ponytail" for his peculiar hairstyle, he also became the Goodwill Ambassador of the UN’s FAO.
 5 
Carlo Ancelotti
(Italian Former Professional Footballer Regarded as One of the Greatest Managers of All Time)
Carlo Ancelotti
21
Birthdate: June 10, 1959
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Reggiolo, Italy

Carlo Ancelotti had humble beginnings as a midfielder in Italian club football. He was part of the Italian national squad in two World Cups and one UEFA Euro, and is one of three managers who have won the UEFA Champions League thrice, twice with Milan and once with Real Madrid.

 6 
Andrea Pirlo
(Italian Professional Football Coach and Former Player Who Played as a Midfielder)
Andrea Pirlo
23
Birthdate: May 19, 1979
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Flero, Italy

Italian professional football coach and former player. Andrea Pirlo, is currently the head coach of football club Juventus. As a player, he was known for his ball control. He retired after playing 116 matches for the Italian national football team. He was elected into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

 7 
Paolo Maldini
(Italian Former Football Player Who Played as a Defender)
Paolo Maldini
20
Birthdate: June 26, 1968
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Milan, Italy

Paolo Maldini is an Italian former professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest ever defenders. He played primarily as a left-back and central defender and was affiliated with Milan and the Italian national team. Currently, he is serving as the technical director for Milan. He is also the co-owner of the USL Championship club Miami FC.  

 8 
Alessandro Nesta
(Italian Professional Football Manager and Former Football Defender)
Alessandro Nesta
9
Birthdate: March 19, 1976
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 9 
Franco Baresi
(Football Coach and Football Player)
Franco Baresi
5
Birthdate: May 8, 1960
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Travagliato, Italy
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 10 
Alessandro Del Piero
(Italian Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Deep-Lying Forward)
Alessandro Del Piero
21
Birthdate: November 9, 1974
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Conegliano, Veneto, Italy

Alessandro Del Piero is an Italian former football player. Renowned for his creativity, he is often counted among the best players of his generation. He is also widely regarded as one of Italy's greatest players of all time. A prolific goal-scorer, Del Piero scored 346 goals during his playing career, making him the second-highest Italian goal-scorer of all time.

 11 
Paolo Rossi
(Italian Professional Footballer Who Played as a Forward)
Paolo Rossi
15
Birthdate: September 23, 1956
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Prato, Italy
Died: December 9, 2020
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 12 
Gianluca Vialli
(Italian Football Player and Manager Who Played as a Striker)
Gianluca Vialli
8
Birthdate: July 9, 1964
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Cremona, Italy
Died: January 6, 2023

Gianluca Vialli is an Italian former football player who played as a striker. He scored 286 goals in more than 500 appearances and is the  tenth-highest scoring Italian footballer in all competitions. After his retirement, he became manager of the English football club Chelsea and was one of the club's most successful managers.

 13 
Fabio Cannavaro
(Italian Professional Football Coach and Former Football Player Who Played as Centre-Back)
Fabio Cannavaro
7
Birthdate: September 13, 1973
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Naples, Italy

Italian former football star Fabio Cannavaro was part of his country’s 2006 World Cup-winning team and now coaches the Chinese football club Guangzhou. He has won awards such as the Ballon d'Or and was the only defender to earn the FIFA World Player of the Year tag.

 14 
Gianluigi Donnarumma
(Italian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Goalkeeper)
Gianluigi Donnarumma
2
Birthdate: February 25, 1999
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Castellammare di Stabia, Italy
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
 15 
Fabio Capello
(Italian Former Professional Football Midfielder and Manager)
Fabio Capello
7
Birthdate: June 18, 1946
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: San Canzian d'Isonzo, Italy

Fabio Capello is a former footballer and manager. As a player, he won several trophies in a career that spanned over 15 years. Renowned for creating opportunities for his teammates, Capello is considered one of the best Italian footballers of his generation. He also had a successful career as a manager and is considered one of the greatest managers ever.

 16 
Ciro Immobile
(Italian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Forward)
Ciro Immobile
9
Birthdate: February 20, 1990
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Torre Annunziata, Campania, Italy

Ciro Immobile is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a striker. He is currently affiliated with Serie A club Lazio and the Italian national team. He began playing football as a young boy and made his professional debut in his late teens. He has played with several teams, including Juventus, Genoa, Torino, and Sevilla in the past. 

 17 
Lorenzo Insigne
(Italian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Winger)
Lorenzo Insigne
3
Birthdate: June 4, 1991
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Frattamaggiore, Naples, Italy

Lorenzo Insigne is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a forward. He is currently affiliated with Serie A club Napoli and the Italian national team. He has over a decade’s experience as a professional and can play on either flank or through the center. He is known for his technical ability, speed, and accuracy from free kicks. 

 18 
Antonio Conte
(Italian Professional Football Manager and Former Football Midfielder)
Antonio Conte
10
Birthdate: July 31, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Lecce, Italy

Antonio Conte is an Italian football manager who has worked with popular teams like Juventus Football Club and Chelsea Football Club. A former player, Conte was widely regarded as one of the most prominent Italian midfielders at that time. One of the most influential and celebrated players in Juventus' history, Antonio Conte helped the team win the UEFA Champions League.

 19 
Christian Vieri
(Italian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Centre Forward)
Christian Vieri
8
Birthdate: July 12, 1973
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Bologna, Italy
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 20 
Filippo Inzaghi
(Italian Professional Football Manager and Former Football Striker)
Filippo Inzaghi
3
Birthdate: August 9, 1973
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Piacenza, Italy
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 21 
Gennaro Gattuso
(Italian Professional Football Coach and Former Player Who Played as a Defensive Midfielder)
Gennaro Gattuso
9
Birthdate: January 9, 1978
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Corigliano Calabro, Italy
Italian former footballer Gennaro Gattuso is best known for his stint with Milan and won titles such as the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup with them. He was part of Italian squad that won the FIFA World Cup 2006. He now manages the football club Napoli.
 22 
Marco Verratti
(Italian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Central Midfielder)
Marco Verratti
5
Birthdate: November 5, 1992
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Pescara, Italy

Best known as a central midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain and the Italian national team, Marco Verratti was part of his country’s 2014 FIFA World Cup squad. He began his career with Pescara and worked his way up with hard work. He was knighted by the Italian government.

 23 
Luciano Spalletti
(Italian Football Manager and a Former Football Midfielder)
Luciano Spalletti
7
Birthdate: March 7, 1959
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Certaldo, Italy
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 24 
Daniele De Rossi
(Former Italian Professional Football Player Who Played as a Defensive Midfielder)
Daniele De Rossi
1
Birthdate: July 24, 1983
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Rome, Lazio, Italy

Daniele De Rossi is an Italian football coach and former player. He is currently serving as the national football team's assistant coach. A defensive midfielder during his playing career, Daniele helped his team win the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He is the highest-scoring midfielder for Italy post-World War II.

 25 
Domenico Berardi
(Italian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Forward)
Domenico Berardi
8
Birthdate: August 1, 1994
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Cariati, Italy
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 26 
Fabio Borini
(Italian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Winger)
Fabio Borini
7
Birthdate: March 29, 1991
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Bentivoglio, Italy
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 27 
Andrea Barzagli
(Italian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Centre-Back)
Andrea Barzagli
6
Birthdate: May 8, 1981
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Fiesole, Italy
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 28 
Stephan El Shaarawy
(Association football player)
Stephan El Shaarawy
11
Birthdate: October 27, 1992
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Savona

Stephan El Shaarawy is an Italian football player who was regarded as a potentially world-class player and one of the most promising youngsters at the beginning of his career. El Shaarawy represents his national team as well as the Serie A club Roma. Renowned for his pace and agility, El Shaarawy's playing style has often drawn comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo.

 29 
Gianni Rivera
(Italian Politician and Former Footballer Who Played as a Midfielder)
Gianni Rivera
2
Birthdate: August 18, 1943
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Alessandria, Italy
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 30 
Gaetano Scirea
(Association football player, Scout, Association football manager)
Gaetano Scirea
2
Birthdate: May 25, 1953
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Cernusco sul Naviglio
Died: September 3, 1989
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 31 
Federico Macheda
(Italian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Striker)
Federico Macheda
9
Birthdate: August 22, 1991
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 32 
Giuseppe Bergomi
(One of the Greatest Italian Defenders of All Time)
Giuseppe Bergomi
3
Birthdate: December 22, 1963
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Milan, Italy
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 33 
Gianfranco Zola
(Italian Football Manager and Former Footballer Who Played as a Forward)
Gianfranco Zola
5
Birthdate: July 5, 1966
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Oliena, Italy
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 34 
Leonardo Bonucci
(Italian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Centre-Back)
Leonardo Bonucci
2
Birthdate: May 1, 1987
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Viterbo, Italy

Italian footballer Leonardo Bonucci is best known as a seasoned center-back for Juventus and the Italian national team. Known for his great passing abilities, he has also represented AC Milan. An anti-bullying activist, he has participated in several related campaigns and penned a book on his experiences with bullying, too.

 35 
Claudio Marchisio
(Italian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Midfielder)
Claudio Marchisio
1
Birthdate: January 19, 1986
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Turin, Italy
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 36 
Salvatore Schillaci
(Italian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Striker)
Salvatore Schillaci
3
Birthdate: December 1, 1964
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Palermo, Italy
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 37 
Giacinto Facchetti
(Italian Footballer Who Played as a Left-Back)
Giacinto Facchetti
4
Birthdate: July 18, 1942
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Treviglio, Bergamo, Italy
Died: September 4, 2006
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 38 
Alessandro Florenzi
(Italian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Full-Back)
Alessandro Florenzi
7
Birthdate: March 11, 1991
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 39 
Antonio Di Natale
(Italian Football Coach and Former Professional Player Who Played as a Striker)
Antonio Di Natale
3
Birthdate: October 13, 1977
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Naples, Italy
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 40 
Dino Zoff
(Italian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as a Goalkeeper)
Dino Zoff
3
Birthdate: February 28, 1942
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Mariano del Friuli, Italy
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 41 
Angelo Ogbonna
(Italian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Centre-Back)
Angelo Ogbonna
7
Birthdate: May 23, 1988
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Cassino, Italy
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 42 
Mauro Camoranesi
(Italian Football Manager and Former Player Who Played as a Right Midfielder / Right Winger)
Mauro Camoranesi
3
Birthdate: October 4, 1976
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Tandil, Argentina
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 43 
Mattia De Sciglio
(Italian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Right-Back)
Mattia De Sciglio
4
Birthdate: October 20, 1992
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Milan, Italy
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 44 
Alberto Gilardino
(Italian Professional Football Manager and Former Striker)
Alberto Gilardino
4
Birthdate: July 5, 1982
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Biella, Italy
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 45 
Giorgio Chiellini
(Italian Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Centre-Back)
Giorgio Chiellini
8
Birthdate: August 14, 1984
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Pisa, Italy

Italian footballer Giorgio Chiellini has made a name for himself as a defender for Juventus and the Italian national team. He had begun his career playing for Livorno at the tender age of 6 and was also part of the bronze-winning national team at the 2004 Summer Olympics.

 46 
Giuseppe Meazza
(Italian Football Manager and Player)
Giuseppe Meazza
3
Birthdate: August 23, 1910
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Milan, Italy
Died: August 21, 1979
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 47 
Stefano Okaka
(Italian Footballer Who Plays as a Forward)
Stefano Okaka
5
Birthdate: August 9, 1989
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Castiglione del Lago, Italy
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 48 
Carlo Cudicini
(Italian Footballer Who Played as a Goalkeeper)
Carlo Cudicini
4
Birthdate: September 6, 1973
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Milan, Italy
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 49 
Sandro Mazzola
(Association football player)
Sandro Mazzola
2
Birthdate: November 8, 1942
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Turin
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 50 
Giovanni Trapattoni
(Italian Football Manager and Former Defensive Midfielder)
Giovanni Trapattoni
5
Birthdate: March 17, 1939
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Cusano Milanino, Italy
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)