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?

1

Paolo Maldini

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

2

Franco Baresi

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

3

Fabio Cannavaro

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

4

Gaetano Scirea

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

5

Alessandro Nesta

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

6

Giorgio Chiellini

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

7

Leonardo Bonucci

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

8

Giacinto Facchetti

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

9

Antonio Cabrini

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

10

Claudio Gentile

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

11

Gianluca Zambrotta

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

12

Ciro Ferrara

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