Home to some of the greatest defenders in the game, Juventus has fielded imperious sweepers, commanding centre-backs, and intelligent reading-of-the-game specialists. From legendary Italian liberos to world-class imports, the competition for greatest Bianconeri defender spans continents and decades.
1Gaetano ScireaUniversally admired Italian libero who combined elegance and intelligence on the ball with steely defensive resolve and is widely regarded as Italy's greatest ever defender.
2Giorgio ChielliniFerocious and fiercely loyal Italian centre-back who spent nearly two decades at Juventus and was one of the most formidable defensive presences in European football.
3Claudio GentileRuthless and uncompromising Italian marker who is legendary for his suffocating man-marking duties at the 1982 World Cup and won multiple trophies at Juventus.
4Leonardo BonucciBall-playing Italian centre-back who was part of one of the most dominant defensive trios in European football alongside Chiellini and Barzagli.
5Andrea BarzagliLate-blooming Italian international who reinvented himself at Juventus to become one of the most reliable defenders in Europe as part of the celebrated BBC trio.
6Ciro FerraraSteady Neapolitan defender who was a dependable presence in Juventus' defence through the 1990s, winning five Serie A titles.
7Lilian ThuramWorld Cup and European Championship winner who was one of Europe's finest right-backs during his time at Juventus and brought reliability and athleticism to the position.
8Fabio CannavaroDiminutive but dominant Italian centre-back and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2006 who was a key figure in Juventus' defence across two periods at the club.
9Paulo SousaTechnically gifted Portuguese midfielder who could also play as an elegant sweeper and was an important part of Juventus' Champions League campaign in 1995-96.
10Sergio BrioReliable Italian centre-back who was a consistent and dependable presence in Juventus' successful defence through the early and mid 1980s.
