Italy, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, delectable cuisine, art, and unwavering love for the beautiful game, has given birth to some of the most revered soccer players in history.
From the cobblestone streets of Rome to the teeming canals of Venice, the spirit of football runs deep in the veins of this country.
With a footballing history that spans decades, Italy has produced some of the greatest players I have known.
Among these legends, a select few have worn the prestigious number 10 jersey, a symbol of creativity, skill, and leadership on the pitch.
Without wasting much time, here are 10 of the best.
- Giuseppe Meazza – 53 caps, 33 goals
- Roberto Baggio -57 caps, 27 goals
- Alessandro Del Piero -91 caps 27 goals
- Alessandro Altobelli – 61 caps, 25 goals
- Francesco Totti – 58 caps, 9 goals
- Silvio Piola- 34 caps, 30 goals
- Gigi Riva -42 caps, 35 goals
- Paolo Rossi- 48 caps, 20 goals
- Roberto Bettega – 42 caps, 19 goals
- Gianfranco Zola -35 caps, 10 goals
Giuseppe Meazza – 53 caps, 33 goals
Often hailed as the greatest Italian player of all time, he left an indelible mark on the Italian national team and the world of football as a whole.
As a center forward, Meazza showed his football genius, playing an integral role in Italy’s attacking play. Under his leadership, the Azzurri secured two World Cup triumphs in 1934 and 1938, solidifying Meazza’s status as a true legend of the game.
Such was his impact on the sport that the San Siro stadium, one of the most iconic football arenas, was officially renamed the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in his honor.
Meazza’s illustrious career started with a bang as he scored a brace on his debut at the age of 17, foreshadowing the remarkable achievements that lay ahead.
Throughout his career, Meazza displayed remarkable consistency, scoring 30 goals every season and amassing an impressive tally of 242 club goals in just 265 games.
His versatility was evident as he seamlessly transitioned between playing as a number nine or dropping deep as a number ten, orchestrating devastating attacking plays with his ability to pull the strings.
One of Meazza’s most memorable moments came in the infamous “battle of Highbury” when he scored a brace against England at Highbury, despite Italy being reduced to ten men.
He remains an enduring symbol of Italian football excellence, inspiring generations of players with his extraordinary talent and unwavering passion for the game.
As I reflect on his remarkable career, I celebrate the timeless artistry and indomitable spirit of a true soccer genius.
Roberto Baggio -57 caps, 27 goals
Often referred to as Il Divin Codino (The Divine Ponytail), is undeniably one of the greatest Italian players.
As a creative number 10, he possessed a magical ability to conjure goals and moments of pure brilliance. His 27 goals in 56 appearances for the Azzurri placed him joint fourth-highest goalscorer, alongside the talismanic Alessandro Del Piero.
He played a prominent role in the Italian national team’s journey to the semifinals of the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where they finished third. His contributions included two crucial goals, proving his impact on the biggest stage.
He continued to represent Italy in subsequent World Cups, most notably in 1994, when they reached the final only to lose to Brazil in a heartbreaking penalty shootout.
Baggio’s remarkable tally of nine goals across three World Cup tournaments solidified his reputation as one of the most decisive players of his generation.
His illustrious club career saw him lift two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia, and a UEFA Cup, showing his prowess at the highest level of Italian football. Baggio achieved success with a total of seven Italian clubs, leaving an indelible mark wherever he went.
Nevertheless, Baggio’s impact on the game was recognized through lots of success. He was awarded the Silver Ball at the 1994 World Cup, named the World Player of the Year in 1993, topped the goal-scoring charts in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup during the 1990-91 season, and even claimed the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 1993.
Roberto Baggio’s career was defined by his artistry, goal-scoring prowess, and the joy he brought to fans around the world.
While international success may have eluded him, Baggio’s legacy as one of the game’s greatest number 10s will forever be etched in the annals of footballing history.
Alessandro Del Piero -91 caps 27 goals
Alessandro Del Piero, a prominent figure in Italian soccer, is regarded as one of the greatest players to have worn the number 10 jersey.
Del Piero’s exceptional skills, longevity, and impact on both the domestic and international stage make him a prominent figure in Italy’s footballing history.
He joined Juventus at a young age and spent the majority of his career at the club.
He made his first-team debut in 1993 and went on to become a symbol of the club’s success during his 19-year tenure.
Del Piero’s success at Juventus is remarkable.
He won numerous local and international titles, including six Serie A titles and the UEFA Champions League in 1996. Del Piero was the cog of the team’s attack, displaying incredible vision, precise passing, and deadly accuracy in front of the goal.
His free-kick expertise and ability to score from long range were particularly awe-inspiring.
One of Del Piero’s most memorable achievements was his role in Italy’s triumph at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Although he had a limited role on the field during the tournament, Del Piero’s impact was huge.
He scored a crucial goal in the semifinals against Germany and played a major role in Italy’s progress to the final, showing his versatility and ability to perform on the biggest stage.
He captained the team and guided them through various challenges, including the club’s demotion to Serie B due to the Calciopoli scandal. Del Piero’s unwavering commitment to Juventus and his ability to inspire teammates and fans alike made him a true icon.
Del Piero’s influence extended beyond his club and national team.
His graceful demeanor, sportsmanship, and philanthropic efforts made him a respected figure off the field. After leaving Juventus in 2012, Del Piero continued his soccer journey in Australia, showing his skills and leaving a lasting impact on the A-League.
Alessandro Altobelli – 61 caps, 25 goals
Known as Spillo (“Needle”) due to his stature, etched his name in Italian football history with an impressive international career.
Renowned for his prolific goal-scoring abilities, Altobelli ranks as the sixth-highest goalscorer for the Italian national team.
He holds the record of being the all-time leading scorer in the Coppa Italia, netting an impressive 56 goals in 93 appearances. Throughout his illustrious career, he amassed nearly 300 goals.
His club career saw him don the colors of Inter Milan, where he became a legendary figure. Altobelli’s remarkable tally of 209 goals in 466 appearances for Inter solidified his place as one of the club’s most revered goal scorers.
During his time at Inter, he lifted the Scudetto in 1980, clinched two Coppa Italia titles in 1978 and 1982, and emerged as the top scorer during the 1978-79 European Cup Winners’ Cup campaign, finding the net seven times as Inter reached the quarterfinals.
One of Altobelli’s most memorable moments came during Italy’s triumphant 1982 World Cup campaign, scoring the third goal in Italy’s 3-1 victory over West Germany.
His goal played a big role in securing the World Cup title for Italy and further cemented his place in Italian football folklore.
Alessandro Altobelli’s slender frame belied his incredible goal-scoring prowess and his ability to make a significant impact on the field. His achievements for club and country, coupled with his incredible scoring record, have earned him a place among Italy’s footballing elite.
Francesco Totti – 58 caps, 9 goals
Francesco Totti, the eternal captain of AS Roma, is undoubtedly one of Italy’s greatest players to have worn the number 10 jersey. Totti’s immense talent, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to his club have made him an icon in Italian football history.
He joined the AS Roma youth academy at the age of 13 and spent his entire professional career with the club. He made his debut for Roma in 1993 and quickly established himself as a prodigious talent.
Totti’s contributions to AS Roma are immeasurable.
He played a big role in the club’s success, leading them to lots of titles, including the Serie A title in 2001 and two Coppa Italia titles in 2007 and 2008.
Totti’s impact on the pitch was unmatched, as he consistently produced moments of brilliance, scoring stunning goals and providing key assists for his teammates.
He was not only a fantastic player but also a true leader.
He wore the number 10 jersey with pride and represented the club’s values both on and off the field. Totti’s loyalty to Roma was exemplary, as he turned down lucrative offers from other clubs to remain with his beloved team.
His connection with the Roma fans was unparalleled, and he became a symbol of loyalty, passion, and love for the game.
He played for gli Azzurri and played a crucial role in their success at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Although his international career was not as prolific as his club career, Totti’s influence and impact were evident when he was on the field. His creativity and ability to change the game with his individual brilliance made him a feared opponent.
Totti’s charm and charisma made him a beloved figure in Italian football.
His playful personality and love for the game endeared him to fans across the world. Totti’s retirement in 2017 marked the end of an era, and he was honored with a farewell match at the Stadio Olimpico, packed with fans paying tribute to their beloved captain.
Silvio Piola- 34 caps, 30 goals
Piola had an illustrious career spanning several decades.
He played for multiple clubs, including Pro Vercelli, Lazio, and Juventus, but it was his time at Lazio that saw him achieve great success and cement his status as one of Italy’s finest forwards.
Piola was known for his incredible goal-scoring ability, predatory instincts, and versatility in attack. His consistency and longevity were remarkable, as he continued to score goals well into his 40s.
Piola’s achievements at Lazio were particularly notable.
He played a vital role in helping the club win two Serie A titles, in 1934 and 1940, and a Coppa Italia title in 1958. His goal-scoring exploits were instrumental in Lazio’s success, and he remains the club’s all-time leading scorer.
While Piola’s international career was affected by the interruption caused by World War II, he played gli Azzurri in a lot of tournaments.
Piola was part of the Italian squad that won the 1938 FIFA World Cup, where he showed his ability to score crucial goals on the biggest stage.
Piola’s legacy extends far off his goal-scoring records.
He was revered for his professionalism, leadership qualities, and dedication to the sport. Piola’s sportsmanship and modesty earned him respect from teammates, opponents, and fans alike.
After retiring from professional football, Piola remained involved in the game as a coach, guiding various teams in Italy.
His contributions to football were recognized in 1994 when he was awarded the FIFA Order of Merit for his outstanding career and contributions to the game.
Gigi Riva -42 caps, 35 goals
Riva spent the majority of his club career with Cagliari.
Known as “Rombo di Tuono” (Thunderclap) due to his thunderous strikes, Riva’s goal-scoring prowess was unmatched during his prime. He has a powerful shot, exceptional technique, and an innate ability to find the back of the net.
His most prominent achievements came with the Italian national team.
He played for Italy in three World Cups, with his standout performance occurring in the 1970 edition held in Mexico.
Riva led Italy’s attack and played a major role in their journey to the final. He scored much-needed goals throughout the tournament, finishing as the joint-top scorer with five goals.
Although Italy narrowly missed out on the World Cup title, Riva’s performances were awe-inspiring.
His ability to create and convert goal-scoring opportunities, along with his leadership qualities, made him the driving force behind the Italian team’s success. Riva’s contributions earned him the Golden Foot award and established him as one of the tournament’s standout players.
He spent his entire club career with the team, guiding them to their first and only Serie A title in the 1969-1970 season.
Riva’s goal-scoring exploits were instrumental in Cagliari’s success, as he became the league’s top scorer multiple times. His impact on the club was so huge that they retired the number 11 jersey in his honor.
After retiring from professional football, he continued to contribute to the beautiful game as a coach and an administrator.
His impact on Italian football was recognized in 2015 when he received the UEFA President’s Award for his outstanding career and contribution to the game.
Paolo Rossi- 48 caps, 20 goals
Undoubtedly one of the greatest players to have worn the number 10 jersey for Italy. Rossi’s remarkable goal-scoring ability, resilience, and unforgettable performances in major tournaments have etched his name in football history.
Rossi started his professional career at Vicenza before moving to Juventus in 1976. He quickly established himself as a prolific striker, combining exceptional technical skills with intelligent movement and a deadly finishing touch.
Rossi’s huge moment came in the 1982 FIFA World Cup held in Spain.
After a lengthy ban due to his involvement in a match-fixing scandal, Rossi made a return to the national team. Despite doubts surrounding his form and fitness, he defied all odds and spearheaded Italy’s journey to their third World Cup title.
Rossi’s heroics in the tournament were nothing short of extraordinary. He scored a total of six goals, including a memorable hat-trick against Brazil in the quarterfinals.
He was rightfully awarded the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer and received the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
He enjoyed fruitful spells with Juventus, winning Serie A titles and domestic cups. His partnership with Michel Platini at Juventus was particularly formidable, with the duo wreaking havoc on opposition defenses.
Rossi’s legacy as one of Italy’s greatest No. 10s is cemented by his incredible achievements and his enduring impact on the game.
Tragically, Paolo Rossi passed away on December 9, 2020, leaving behind a rich legacy.
His contributions to the sport will always be remembered, and his name will forever be associated with the triumph of the Italian national team in 1982.
Roberto Bettega – 42 caps, 19 goals
Bettega’s versatility allowed him to excel in various attacking positions.
He formed a formidable partnership with another Italian legend, Roberto Boninsegna, leading Juventus to multiple domestic triumphs, including six Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia trophies during his time at the club.
Bettega’s impact extended far off his goal-scoring ability.
He possessed excellent vision and passing skills, enabling him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
His intelligent movement off the ball and ability to link up play made him a valuable asset in Juventus’ attacking system. Bettega’s success at Juventus and his impact on the Italian national team established him as one of the finest Italian players of his generation.
Although his international career was limited to 42 appearances and 19 goals due to strong competition for places, Bettega proved his quality when representing the Italian national team.
He played a role in Italy’s journey to the final of the 1978 FIFA World Cup, scoring twice in the tournament. His performances and contributions to the national team further solidified his reputation as a top-class player.
Bettega continued to contribute to the sport.
He served as a board member at Juventus and played a crucial role in the club’s management and administration. Bettega’s dedication to the game extended far beyond his playing days, showing his enduring love for football.
Gianfranco Zola -35 caps, 10 goals
Known for his sublime skills and technical brilliance, left an indelible mark in Italian football. Although he didn’t feature prominently for the national team,
Zola’s contributions at the club level were exceptional. He spent the majority of his career in Italy, representing teams like Napoli and Parma, but it was during his time at Chelsea in the English Premier League that he truly captured the hearts of fans.
Zola possessed incredible dribbling ability, vision, and an impeccable first touch.
He had a unique knack for scoring spectacular goals and providing exquisite assists. Zola’s creativity and playmaking skills made him a fan favorite at Chelsea, where he became one of the club’s greatest-ever players.
While Zola may not have achieved significant success on the international stage, his impact as a No. 10 cannot be overlooked. His technical brilliance and ability to influence games with his skill set him apart. Zola’s name is synonymous with elegance and flair, and he undoubtedly deserves recognition among Italy’s best players to have worn the No. 10 jersey.
Honarable Mentions:
- Valentino Mazzola
- Gianni Rivera
- Christian Vieri
- Inzaghi
