Italian footballers tend to be somewhat of a Premier League enigma. Celebrated for their class, sophistication and style, but so often chastised for a perceived inability to cope with the pace of the game outside of their Serie A comfort zone. Yet every so often an Italian maestro comes along and captures the imagination of the British public with their passion, excitement and understanding of the English game. Sport.co.uk has separated your Zola’s from your Maccarone's to bring our lovely readers the top ten Italian footballers ever to grace the Premier League.
10. Francesco Baiano
Former Italian international Francesco Baiano was brought to Derby County by manager Jim Smith ahead of The Rams debut 1997/98 Premier League season. Baiano had previously impressed at Serie A side Fiorentina where he had formed a deadly partnership with Argentine legend Gabriel Batistuta. He scored 12 goals in 33 appearances in the first of his three years at Pride Park, helping Smith’s side to a respectable 12th place finish and a coveted mention in this list!
9. Gianluca Festa
Strong and athletic defender, Gianluca Festa was a revelation at Middlesbrough after signing from Inter Milan in January 1997 in the midst of a relegation battle. While many of the club’s star players deserted following relegation that season, Festa stayed to help ‘Boro immediately return to the top flight, lifting the club’s Player of the Year award in the process. Festa went on to make over 100 appearances for the club during a five-year stay at The Riverside.
8. Carlo Cudicini
Former Chelsea custodian Carlo Cudicini was best remembered for impressing during over 140 appearances for The Blues from 1999-2003 up until his recent motorbike crash. Considered as one of the best stoppers in the top flight, on his way to winning the club’s Player of the Year award during the 2001-02 season, the Italian was frozen out following the arrival of Petr Cech and new manager Jose Mourinho at the start of the 2004/05 season. Cudicini is now at Tottenham Hotspur where he remains back up for erratic Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
7. Stefano Eranio
Fans favourite Stefano Eranio arrived with fellow compatriot Baiano at Derby in the late 90’s, becoming one of the first Italians to make a move to the Premier League. Eranio was signed on a free transfer from AC Milan and is now considered as one of the most influential players ever to have pulled on the famous white shirt. The flamboyant winger ended his career with The Rams where his performances earned him an induction into the club’s All Time XI.
6. Fabrizio Ravanelli
Fabrizio Ravanelli announced himself to the Premier League with a hat-trick on his Middlesbrough debut against Liverpool on the opening day of the 1996/97 season. The gifted forward fired in 16 goals in his first season in England, as well as helping his new side to a double of domestic cup finals. The powerful forward couldn’t help ‘Boro beat the drop however and moved to Marseille at the start of the next season. The eccentric hitman returned to England with Derby County in 2001 where he endured more relegation misery.
5. Gianluca Vialli
The former world’s most expensive player Gianluca Vialli moved to Chelsea in 1996 where he went on to win the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup Winners Cup and UEFA Super Cup. The former Juventus and Sampdoria frontrunner finished his career at Stamford Bridge with 40 goals in 83 appearances in all competitions after replacing Ruud Gullit as the club’s player-manager in February 1998.
4. Benito Carbone
Mercurial journeyman Benito Carbone played for a host of Premier League sides, but is best remembered for his record of 25 goals in 96 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday during a three year spell from 1996. His spectacular goals endeared himself to fans up and down the country and earned the Italian cult hero status. His most memorable strike came for Aston Villa against Leeds on the way to the FA Cup final during the 1999-2000 season, rifling in a sublime 35-yard strike.
3. Roberto Di Matteo
Roberto Di Matteo was an inspirational figure in the heart of the Chelsea midfield from 1996-02, helping the West London side to qualify for the Champions League and win the League Cup, UEFA Cup Winners Cup, UEFA Super Cup and two FA cups during his time at the club. Di Matteo’s contribution was a major factor in The Blues resurgence throughout the late 90’s, scoring three cup-winning goals at the old Wembley. Di Matteo made over 170 appearances for the club, scoring 26 goals in the process.
2. Paolo Di Canio
Outrageously talented Paolo Di Canio was as famous for his fiery Italian temperament as he was for his footballing ability. The technically brilliant frontman was a real presence on the pitch and made his name in England at Sheffield Wednesday during a prolific spell of 23 goals in 41 appearances. Di Canio then moved to West Ham for a bargain £1.7m where he scored 48 goals in 118 appearances, including a spectacular volley against Wimbledon in 2000, which is widely considered one of the best in Premier League history.
1.Gianfranco Zola
The little magician and Stamford Bridge legend is considered one of the best foreign imports to have ever graced the Premier League. An exceptional talent and a nice bloke to boot, Zola has been voted Chelsea’s best player of all time. The diminutive attacker made over 200 appearances in seven years for the West London outfit, winning the Football Writers’ Player of the Year award in 1997. Zola was a joy to watch at his creative best and will be remembered for a host of spectacular goals during his Premier League playing days.