Football News 24/7According to IFFHS, Juventus are the best Italian side ever and second best European side below Real Madrid. Well, here is my Juventus Best XI.
GK: Gianluigi Buffon (2001-now)
Superman! That’s what we call him. The man who stands below our goal, the man who flies and jumps to keep our goal safe. He’s got unbelievable reflexes, a reliable goalkeeper who’s almost impossible to get replaced if he’s fit enough to play, and a very good leader. During his mercurial career, he’s won several major titles with Juventus and Gli Azzuri.
He also has won a lot of individual awards, including The Best Goalkeeper Of The 21st Century from IFFHS. He came from Parma eleven years ago as and now he’s taken over the captain armband from Alessandro Del Piero.
It’s hard for me to choose him or Dino Zoff, but later on I chose this man because of his faithfulness staying at Juventus during the “exile” in Serie B on 2006/07.
Honourable mentions: Dino Zoff, Stefano Tacconi
SW: Gaetano Scirea (1974-1988)
The best Italian defender of all time, some might say. He’s considered to be the best Juventus captain of all time. He came from Atalanta in 1974 and spent 14 years in black and white uniform. He was the part of Juventus golden generation in the 1980′s who won 1985 Champions Cup. He was well known for his leadership, his clean tackle, and his dominant role as sweeper.
I’ve never seen him play but from the stories I’ve heard, it’s a sin not to put him in a Juventus Best XI of all time. His tragic death in 1989 has further cemented his status as a club legend. He used to be Juventus’ all time most capped performer (552 times) before Alessandro Del Piero broke it.
RB: Claudio Gentile (1973-1984)
This man dismantled Maradona in World Cup 1982 and he is considered to be one of football history’s hardest men ever. He spent eleven years at Juventus and moved to Fiorentina in the year Juventus won the famous and bloody Champions Cup 1985. The move couldn’t reduce his status as a Bianconeri legend.
Honourable mention: Lilian Thuram
CB: Virginio Rosetta (1923-1936)
Not a familiar name for today’s generation. No wonder, since Rosetta was active during 1920′s and 1930′s decade. Alongside fellow defender Umberto Caligaris and goalkeeper Giampiero Combi (both were Juventus players too), this precise passer formed the famous triangle defence in Juventus and Italy national team.
He captained Juventus from 1929-1935 and became the part of Juventus’ first golden generation who won five Scudetti consecutively.
Honourable mentions: Ciro Ferrara, Paolo Montero
LB: Antonio Cabrini (1976-1989)
Perhaps Italy’s most dominant left wing-back in his generation. He’s well known for the reliability and some people called him Bell’Antonio for his good-looking appearance. Antonio Cabrini was fast, a good crosser and strong at defending (I used to think he was a centre-back).
He won 450 caps with Juve and 73 with Azzuri, and he also played in all Italy’s games in three consecutive World Cup (1978, 1982, and 1986).
If Manchester United have Denis Irwin as Mr. Reliable, Juve have him.
Honourable mention: Gianluca Pessotto
DM: Marco Tardelli (1975-1985)
He was an indispensable member of both Italy and Juventus in the 1970′s and 1980′s. A very good balancer in the midfield, a strong defensive midfielder who possessed above average positioning and tackling. He was the central of Juventus squad.
The first man to both defend and attack. He’s well known for his celebration in World Cup 1982. Fabio Grosso replicated his celebration in World Cup 2006.
Honourable mentions: Didier Deschamps, Giuseppe Furino
AM: Michel Platini (1982-1987)
Le Roi. The King. Or anything you can name him. One of the best playmakers in world football history. The current UEFA president will always be remembered by Juventus’ fans for his penalty kick against the mighty Liverpool in 1985. During his spell in Juventus, he was also helped France win Euro 1984, which he starred and top-scored in.
In 1985, he became top scorer in Serie A with 18 goals and in Champions Cup with 7 goals tally. He also won Ballon d’Or that year.
There will be not enough space to describe his greatness here, but of course he’s one of the best players Juventus have ever had.
Honourable mention: Zinedine Zidane
AM: Giampiero Boniperti (1946-1961)
He used to form the most menacing tridente during his heydays in the 1950′s with Omar Sivori and John Charles. He spent his entire career wearing the black and white uniform. Before Alessandro Del Piero broke the record, he was Juventus’ all time Capocannonieri with 182 goals. Pele inducted him as the part of 125 Greatest Living Footballers in 2004.
After his retirement, Boniperti was offered by Agnelli family to be Juventus president, he served for several years in the 1960′s. Currently, he is Juventus honorary president.
AM: Pavel Nedved (2001-2009)
I love this man. The “Czech Fury” always gave his best during his spell. He was restless, relentless, and faithful. He played from the left flank, cut inside, and unleashed his famous cannon ball. Pavel Nedved is a very good example for any young footballer.
His dedication to football and to clubs he played for is to be replicated by today’s generation footballers. This man was one of those who remained in Juventus during their exile after Calciopoli.
FW: Alessandro Del Piero (1993-forever)
The best Juventus player ever. Nuff said.
Honourable mention: Roberto Baggio
FW: John Charles (1957-1962)
Best Juventus and Serie A straniere ever. Transferred from Leeds in 1957, he scored 93 times in 155 appearances. Do your math and count his goal ratio yourselves. The Welsh Giant is a member of Football League 100 Legends and Football Hall of Fame.
A true gentleman, he was never cautioned or sent-off during his entire career. His philosophy is ‘never hurt your opponents intentionally’. For this philosophy, he was called Il Gigante Buono or The Gentle Giant.
Honourable mentions: David Trezeguet, Omar Sivori
Manager: Giovanni Trappatoni
Formation: 4-1-3-2
Never ever forget your predecessors, mates, and please enjoy my piece. Grazie ragazzi!
Written by and follow him on Twitter @yogacholandha
Please like O-Posts on Facebook
Follow the site on Twitter
