five favourite Italian players

Inside United magazine gave our Milan-born defender Matteo Darmian five picks for favourite players from his country and he served up a bagful of bona fide Italian legends…


1: PAOLO MALDINI
Clubs: AC Milan (1985-2009)
Career club appearances/goals: 902/33
International caps/goals: 126/7
Darmian says: “I think he is one of the best football players of all time and I had the pleasure of playing with him, which made me realise how good he was. I remember his achievements well because he won many championships and Champions Leagues with AC Milan.”




2. ALESSANDRO NESTA
Clubs: Lazio (1993-2002), AC Milan (2002-2012), Montreal Impact (2012-2013)
Career club appearances/goals: 621/13
International caps/goals: 78/0
Darmian says: “Another one of my favourite players, who is also one of my idols and a defender, is Nesta. He had great style, he was a great defender and, like Maldini, he won a lot during his years at AC Milan. I remember a lot about him and also had the pleasure of playing together with him.”

3. ROBERTO BAGGIO
Clubs: Vicenza (1982-1985), Fiorentina (1985-1990), Juventus (1990-1995), AC Milan (1995-1997), Bologna (1997-1998), Inter Milan (1998-2000), Brescia (2000-2004).
Career club appearances/goals: 643/291
International caps/goals: 56/27
Darmian says: “Another player who was certainly very good is Roberto Baggio. He has great talent. I liked the way he played and the simplicity of his way of playing.”




4. ANDREA PIRLO
Clubs: Brescia (1995-1998), Inter Milan (1998-2001), Reggina (1999-2000, loan), Brescia (2001,loan), AC Milan (2001-2011), Juventus (2011-2015), New York City (2015-)
Career club appearances/goals: Still playing!
International caps/goals: 116/13
Darmian says: “Another of my five, who is still playing. He is a great personality, he has great playing vision and he is one of the best midfielders in the world in his position. He won a lot with AC Milan.”





 
5. GIANLUIGI BUFFON
Clubs: Parma (1995-2001), Juventus (2001-)
Career club appearances/goals: Still playing!
International caps/goals: 154/0
Darmian says: “The fifth is Buffon. I think he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he is still demonstrating that even now. He has won a lot both at club level and for the national team. I remember, out of all these players, that Buffon is a leader in the changing room and he won the World Cup – which is of course a great memory for all us Italians!”






This feature first appeared in the February edition of Inside United magazine, which is available to buy at Old Trafford, in stores and online via www.ManUtd.com/Magazine