There have been some incredible entrances into Serie A in recent years, five of which are featured in below! From parades in front of adoring fans to debuts that will live long in the memory for both the player and the supporters, there is nothing like making a grand entrance and announcing your name on the big stage. Here is one hero making his grand entrance in the new Heineken campaign…
Whether the footballer has a cracking debut or not, the rest of his career can go two ways, but we’re not concerned about that here, we’re just focusing on the grandeur of iconic football entrances. So here are the TOP 5 Grand Entrances into Serie A…
5. Diego Maradona – NAPOLI v Verona, 16th September 1984
The greatest player ever to play the game arrived in Serie A with the world’s press watching. Dropping into the San Paolo via helicopter ‘El Diego’ was expected to wow Italy with a sensational debut. He never. Instead Hellas Verona never read the script and won the match 3-1, then eight months later Serie A. Diego did get his hands on the Scudetto… eventually.
4. Hidetoshi Nakata – PERUGIA v Juventus, 13th September 1998
After a very good World Cup in 1998 Perugia took the plunge and purchased the Asian star. However after doubts about his ability to perform in the World’s toughest league, he silenced critics with two goals in seven minutes when his side were 3-0 down. Despite a 4-3 defeat, his talent was never questioned again.
3. Alexandre Pato – MILAN v Napoli, 13th January 2008
As anticipated as debuts come. Signed in September but unable to make his debut until he reached 18 years of age. But ‘the Duck’ did not let the hype of his debut get to him and scored at the San Siro against a Napoli side who had the pleasure of seeing a new world superstar being unveiled.
2. Gianluigi Buffon – PARMA v Milan, 19th November 1995
Making his debut against a rampant Milan side of the mid-nineties the trust shown in the young stopper was palpable and he duly repaid the faith shown in him with a excellent display that kept the likes of George Weah from finding the back of the net. Buffon would go on to help Parma through their most successful period in Calcio.
1. Alvaro Recoba – INTER v Brescia, 31st August 1997
It was also the debut of a certain Brazilian named Ronaldo, but ‘El Chino’ came on as a substitute with Inter 1-0 down and stole every headline going with a 40 yard free-kick that flew into the top corner. He never his those heights in Serie A again, but what a debut!
Do you agree? Let us know by leaving a comment below…
I’d add Alberto Paloschi. 17 years, Serie A debut with Milan, against Parma. Came in for Serginho when the match was still 0-0. 18 seconds on the pitch, wonderfull volley, GOAL! The match ended 1-0 for Milan.