Giuseppe Giannini: Italy
Round reached: Semi-final / Appearances: 7 / Goals: 1
Despite having a squad containing a young Roberto Baggio and hugely talented Roberto Mancini, Italy’s premier playmaker at the time was Roma’s captain.
Wearing the host nation’s ‘lucky’ number 13 the classy midfielder oozed elegance throughout the group stages and played a vital role in ensuring Italy progressed. Giannini skipped through the USA backline and fired home to claim a 1-0 win, then had a hand in both goals during the 2-0 win over Czechoslovakia: his volleyed drive into the ground allowed Toto Schillaci to head home, before becoming Baggio’s ‘two’ in the one-two exchange that formed part of the young star’s incredible goal.
The playmaker’s creativity continued into the Last 16 meeting with Uruguay, sumptuously picking out Aldo Serena who headed home from a free-kick. Then, perhaps tiring from playing every minute of every match, he was substituted just after the hour mark in the quarter-final victory over Ireland, and also during the infamous semi-final defeat at the hands of Argentina. Giannini was involved in the build-up to Italy’s goal in the 1-1 draw, but wasn’t on the pitch as the Azzurri undeservedly crashed out on penalties. He returned to take part in the Third/Fourth place play-off victory over England.
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