2. Alessandro Del Piero.
A Juventus legend pure and simple.
It was in the ’90s when il Pinturicchio announced his arrival to the world – then duly took it by storm. The rise of a dominant Juventus side in the late ’90s helped establish Del Peiro’s fame, particularly in Europe.
Signed by La Vecchia Signora in 1993, Alex originally played further forward as a striker, though he had all the tools any true number 10 needs.
Once the fantasista role (and number 10 shirt) was vacated by Roberto Baggio in 1995, Alex slotted in and never looked back, though was often used as a second striker when tactical adjustments were made. His movement, vision and particularly his curling strikes into the far corner of the net became his trademark. So much so that the media named an area of the pitch after him; the danger zone from where he used to shoot from – the ‘Del Piero zone’. He was also a dead ball specialist, scoring free-kicks and penalties with seeming ease.
During the late ’90s Juventus were a world super power and Del Piero was their prince, amassing quite a trophy haul throughout the decade which puts him second on this list – although he never quite translated his club form to the international stage with Italy, for whom he made his debut in 1995.
’90s clubs: Juventus
‘90s apps/goals: 165/59
‘90s honours: Serie A title x 3, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Supercup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup, Coppa Italia, Intertoto Cup, Serie A Player of the Year
