Top 10 Italy Defenders: 1998 – 2012 – Number 9

Date: 19th July 2012 at 9:16am
Written by:

9 – Alessandro Nesta

If this list had been drawn out only in terms of the talent and quality of its players, Alessandro Nesta would shoot much further upwards in it. Since our criteria consider the players’ contribution to the cause of the Azzurri, he must scrape a mere ninth place.

Of Nesta’s international career it must be said that it was highly unlucky. The man played in three World Cups and managed to pick up injuries in all of them. He never played a single knock-out game in the competition. His capitulation in the third game of the 2006 campaign was especially lamentable, as Nesta was eclipsing even his comrade Fabio Cannavaro for the beauty of his game.

Nesta did put in some strong performances in Euro 2000 and, to a lesser extent, in 2004, so his name is rightfully deserving of its place in this list. But he leaves us with more regrets, more what-ifs, than with any real magic. Arguably Italy’s single best central defender of this period, but one never able to fully deploy his talent for the Azzurri.

Find out who player number 8 is…

Find out the latest transfer news and gossip right here

We are always looking for new writers, so if you think you know Calcio, email us: forzaitalianfootball@snack-media.com

 

2 responses to “Top 10 Italy Defenders: 1998 – 2012 – Number 9”

  1. Il Mister says:

    How lady luck deals such bad fortune to one of the greatest defenders that ever lived…

  2. Jeff says:

    Without a doubt the best. Pity about injuries.