Italy has produced some of the most technically gifted and tactically intelligent midfielders the game has ever seen.
From deep-lying playmakers to fierce ball-winners and legendary number 10s, the Azzurri midfield has always been the heartbeat of their success.
In this feature, we count down the Top 10 Italy Midfielders of All Time.. Ranked, celebrating the icons who defined generations of calcio.
Top 10 Italy Midfielders of All Time
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10. Giancarlo Antognoni
A creative force and one of the finest attacking midfielders of his era, Giancarlo Antognoni was instrumental in Italy’s 1982 World Cup triumph, even though injury ruled him out of the final.
He earned 73 caps and became a Fiorentina legend, spending nearly his entire career with the Viola.
9. Gennaro Gattuso
The ultimate warrior.
Gennaro Gattuso embodied grit, passion, and relentless energy in midfield.
A World Cup winner in 2006 and a two-time Champions League champion with AC Milan, he is remembered as one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation.
8. Daniele De Rossi
Loyal to Roma until the end, Daniele De Rossi was a complete midfielder: tough in the tackle, but also capable of moments of brilliance.
With over 100 caps for Italy and a World Cup medal in 2006, he became a true leader for both club and country.
7. Carlo Ancelotti
Long before he became a managerial icon, Carlo Ancelotti was a brilliant midfielder.
He won major trophies with Roma and AC Milan, including back-to-back European Cups.
Calm, intelligent, and versatile, he was a key figure in Italy’s midfield of the late 80s.
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6. Giovanni Ferrari
A star of the 1930s, Giovanni Ferrari helped Italy to back-to-back World Cup victories in 1934 and 1938.
He won the Serie A title with three different clubs, showcasing his versatility and consistency at the highest level.
5. Francesco Totti
Though often seen as a forward, Francesco Totti’s genius as a creative playmaker places him firmly among the Top 10 Italy Midfielders of All Time.. Ranked.
Roma’s eternal captain scored over 300 goals, delivered countless assists, and lifted the World Cup in 2006.
4. Marco Tardelli
Few images are as iconic as Marco Tardelli’s emotional celebration after scoring in the 1982 World Cup final.
A complete midfielder, he won every major trophy with Juventus and left an indelible mark on Italian football history.
3. Gianni Rivera
Nicknamed “The Golden Boy,” Gianni Rivera was elegance personified.
A Ballon d’Or winner in 1969, he guided AC Milan to domestic and European glory.
With his vision and passing, Rivera set the standard for playmakers in Italy.
2. Sandro Mazzola
The son of the tragic Torino legend Valentino Mazzola, Sandro built his own dynasty at Inter Milan.
Winning four Serie A titles and two European Cups, he was also vital in Italy’s Euro 1968 victory and their journey to the 1970 World Cup final.
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1. Andrea Pirlo
At the very top of the Top 10 Italy Midfielders of All Time.. Ranked stands Andrea Pirlo, the maestro who redefined the deep-lying playmaker role.
With unmatched vision and composure, he won Serie A titles with Milan and Juventus, two Champions Leagues, and, of course, the 2006 World Cup.
Watching Pirlo was pure poetry in motion.
