Who is the best defender in Italy national team history?

Italian football has given the world the art of defending — from the stoic Franco Baresi to the commanding Paolo Maldini. Who stands tallest in the Azzurri's legendary defensive tradition?

Paolo Maldini

AC Milan's all-time great left back and center back, widely considered the finest defender of his generation.

1/12

Franco Baresi

AC Milan's imperious sweeper and one of the greatest defenders in football history.

2/12

Fabio Cannavaro

Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning captain whose Ballon d'Or that year was a rare honor for a defender.

3/12

Gaetano Scirea

Elegant Juventus sweeper and key figure in Italy's historic 1982 World Cup victory.

4/12

Alessandro Nesta

AC Milan's composed and intelligent center back, one of the most technically gifted defenders of his era.

5/12

Giorgio Chiellini

Juventus and Italy's combative center back who led the Azzurri for over a decade.

6/12

Leonardo Bonucci

Ball-playing Juventus center back and a cornerstone of Italy's Euro 2020 winning defense.

7/12

Giacinto Facchetti

Inter's revolutionary attacking left back and Italy's captain during the 1968 European Championship triumph.

8/12

Antonio Cabrini

Stylish left back and key member of Juventus and Italy's golden 1982 generation.

9/12

Claudio Gentile

Tenacious right back renowned for his man-marking and Italy's 1982 World Cup defensive shield.

10/12

Gianluca Zambrotta

Versatile and athletic right back who starred for Italy at the 2006 World Cup.

11/12

Ciro Ferrara

Napoli and Juventus stalwart who formed Italy's defensive backbone through the 1990s.

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