TOP 5: Premier League's Greatest Italians
As a footballing nation, Italy have been at the forefront of
world football for several decades. Known primarily for their emphasis on the
tactical side of the game, Italy have won numerous titles in their history,
including four World Cup triumphs.
Whereas there may have been a shortage of talent of Italians
in the Premier League, a few talented players from Italian shores have
showcased their qualities in England's top flight. This article identifies the very
best of those, ranking those that make the list from five to one in terms of
their greatness.
How many Chelsea players made the top five? which
controversial forward is ranked at number two? And did Mario Balotelli make the
list? Find out the answers to all these questions in the upcoming pages. |
| 5) Roberto Di Matteo scores the fastest ever FA Cup Final goal, for Chelsea against Middlesborough in 1997 |
A technical midfielder with a knack of scoring long range goals, Roberto Di Matteo moved to Chelsea at the age of 26 for £4.9 million from Lazio. In his debut season, he scored the fastest ever FA Cup Final goal when he powered home from 30 yards after just 42 seconds in the 1997 edition.
He would soon become a fans favourite, as he established himself as a crucial figure at the heart of Chelsea's midfield. In his six seasons at the club, Di Matteo would help his team to six major honours, including two FA Cup titles and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.
In total, Di Matteo featured 175 for Chelsea, scoring 26 goals. Although his career was cut short after a triple leg fracture, the Italian will go down in Chelsea's Hall of Fame for his exploits both as a player and manager.
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| 4) Gianluca Vialli has been one of Italy's most prolific goalscorers in recent decades |
Recently inducted into the Italian Hall of Fame, Gianluca Vialli was a hugely talented footballer who scored goals on a consistent basis throughout his playing days.
After successful stints at Sampdoria and Juventus, Vialli moved to Chelsea at the age of 32. He would only spend three seasons in England, but the Italian made his short stay count as he helped his side to four major honours.
A proven goal scorer, in his professional career Vialli found the net on 259 occasions. The Italian also made the seamless transition from his home country to England, as he scored 40 times in his 78 appearances for Chelsea.
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| 3) Carlo Cudicini was one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League in his prime |
Cudicini was an unknown commodity upon his arrival in England, having only played 51 times in the lower leagues of Italian football before joining Chelsea in 1999.
Despite his inexperience, Cudicini flourished as Chelsea’s number one, providing a consistent and reliable presence in goal.
Unfortunately for the Italian he would lose his starting spot to Petr Cech in 2004. He would stay a further five years at Chelsea before leaving for Tottenham, where again he would play a backup role.
During his stint at Chelsea, he made 216 appearances and kept 101 clean sheets. Despite playing a bit-part role in the latter stages of his career, Cudicini can still be considered one of the best goalkeepers in the league during his prime.
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| 2) Paulo Di Canio was a controversial maverick but he was also a footballing genius |
It's hard to decipher what Paulo Di Canio is best known for. Is it for pushing over a referee after being sent off? Is it because of his remarkable act of sportsmanship against Blackburn? Or is it for his wonder goal for West Ham against Wimbledon?
Regardless of what he is best remembered for, it is hard to
dispute his footballing ability. Playing for Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham and
Charlton across his seven seasons in English football, he was a key player for
all three clubs.
His time in England brought about 222 appearances, where he
scored on 74 occasions. Although he would not win any collective titles, his
incredible technique and undeniable passion made him a fan favourite where ever
he played.
Equipped with a fiery temper, Paulo Di Canio was easily one
of the most controversial players in Premier League history. But he was also a
remarkable footballer.
1) Gianfranco Zola
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| 1) Gianfranco Zola is the greatest Italian to ever grace the Premier League |
Four of the five Italians on this list made their mark in
the Premier League playing for Chelsea. Undoutedly, Gianfranco Zola was the
best of the lot.
Zola had pedigree when he arrived in the Premier League; he
had scored goals in abundance in Serie A which convinced Chelsea to pay Parma
£4.5 million for his services.
And he did not disappoint. Considered a wizard by many that
watched him, Zola's technical ability and creativity in attacking situations
helped establish himself as one of the best players in the Premier League, and
one of Chelsea's greatest ever players.
In total, he featured 312 times in English football, scoring
80 goals. He was voted Chelsea's greatest ever play in 2003, and can also be
considered as the greatest Italian in Premier League history.
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