Top 10 Greatest Italians in Premier League History

Sripad Kilikar July 24, 2024July 24, 2024 Benito Carbone, Francesco Baiano, Gianfranco Zola, Premier League, Roberto Di Matteo

Italian players are known for their style and class around the world, and some of the top Italians have graced the Premier League. Starting Andrea Silenzi – the first Italian to play in the rebranded Premier League to Riccardo Calafiori, who is set to be the latest addition to the list of Italians in the league.

We take a look at the 10 best Italians who played in the Premier League:

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The List of Greatest Italians in Premier League History

#10 – Francesco Baiano

Francesco Baiano couldn't keep his form after a single season in the Prem — Francesco Baiano couldn’t keep his form after a single season in the Prem (Credits: GettY0

Baiano might not be a name that many will recall while thinking of Italians in the Premier League but Derby County fans will never forget him easily. He scored 12 goals in his debut season but just could not replicate it in the next two seasons.

He had 33 matches in the league in his first season but only mustered 31 matches in the next one, scoring four times.

#9 – Benito Carbone

Benito Carbone played for five different EPL clubs (Credits: Getty)

Carbone spent seven years in the Premier League, playing for five different clubs. He played for Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa, Bradford City, Derby County and Middlesbrough, scoring 40 goals.

His best seasons came with Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City, where he formed a formidable partnership with Paolo Di Canio.

#8 – Carlo Cudicini

Carlo Cudicini spent 17 years on The Isles (Credits: Getty)

Carlo Cudicini played for Chelsea and Tottenham during his time in the Premier League. He was a key part of Chelsea’s starting XI for 4 seasons before he was replaced by Petr Čech.

He remained at Stamford Bridge for 10 and a half seasons before moving across London with Tottenham for seven and a half seasons – a total of 17 years in the Premier League.

#7 – Jorginho

Jorginho has spent almost 6 years in London (Credits: Getty)

When Chelsea signed him from Napoli, he was close to making a move to Manchester City. However, he opted to move to Stamford Bridge as Maurizio Sarri was also heading in that direction.

Jorginho did not manage to win the Premier League with the Blues and that repeated for him at Arsenal as they came close both times and still finished second.

#6 – Massimo Maccarone

Massimo Maccarone spent 5 seasons at Middlesbrough (Credits: Getty)

Maccarone played for Middlesbrough from 2002 to 2007 and was a part of one of their best squads. He managed just 18 goals in 80 league games but was fighting for his position in the squad at every chance.

The Italian came in as a relatively unknown player but was well known after his time at the Premier League club, especially after guiding them to the 2006 UEFA Cup final.

#5 – Roberto Di Matteo

Roberto Di Matteo ended his playing career at Stamford Bridge where he also won the Champions League as a manager 10 years later (Credits: Getty)

Roberto Di Matteo is known to the current generation as the manager who won Chelsea their first Champions League. However, he was a tremendous player for the Blues during his playing days.

The Italian joined in 1996 and stayed at the club until 2001, and was a key part of the side that did well in defense and attack.

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#4 – Fabrizio Ravanelli

Fabrizio Ravanelli played for the likes of Middlesbrough and Derby County in the Premier League (Credits: Getty)

Ravanelli played just one season in the Premier League with Middlesbrough but his impact was too good. The Italian scored a hattrick on his debut and went on to score 16 times, matching the tally of Di Canio.

Fabrizio returned for another season with Derby County, but could not save them from relegation. He also helped them during their financial crisis by deferring his wages.

#3 – Gianluca Vialli

Gianluca Vialli spent three seasons in the Premier League (Credits: Getty)

Vialli joined Chelsea in 1996 and he had just one aim while he was on the pitch – to score goals. The Italian was on top of his game while he was at Stamford Bridge and even acted as the player-manager for the Blues.

The striker scored 21 goals but assisted just once in his 58 matches.

#2 – Paolo Di Canio

Paolo Di Canio scored 73 goals in the Premier League during his seven-season stint (Credits: Getty)

Di Canio played for three clubs in the Premier League and is one of the most talented players to grace the league. He scored 73 goals in the English top flight during his 7 years across Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham United Charlton Athletic.

However, he will forever be remembered for his red cards and fights more than his stunning goals.

#1 – Gianfranco Zola

Gianfranco Zola's impact was so profound that Roman Abramovich tried to buy Cagliari after the Italian's move to the club — Gianfranco Zola’s impact was so profound that Roman Abramovich tried to buy Cagliari after the Italian’s move to the club (Credits: Getty)

Zola is easily the best Italian to play in the Premier League ever. He is well known for his silky skills and trickery in the final third. The Italian maestro moved to Chelsea in 1996 and played for the club until 2003. His decision to leave for Cagliari saw Roman Abramovich try to buy the Italian side Cagliari.

FAQs

Q. Has any Italian player won the Premier League?

A. Yes, Mario Balotelli won the Premier League with Manchester City.

Q. How many Italian players have won the Premier League?

A. One, Mario Balotelli remains the only Italian to win the Premier League.

Q. Who is the greatest Italian footballer in history?

A. Gianfranco Zola is regarded as the best Italian player to grace the Premier League. Overall, Roberto Baggio is picked by most as the best-ever Italian footballer.

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