Paul Gascoigne (England) 1992 – 1995
Whilst strictly speaking, not a true fantasista, Gazza’s technical abilities and style of play meant that if he’d have been born in a Latin country, he almost certainly would have been classed as such.
His time in Italy was – like much of his career – controversial from start to finish. From causing outrage up and down the country by replying to a live TV interview question with a ‘burp’, to having his leg broken by a youth team apprentice during a training ground accident (a certain Alessandro Nesta), and from being a pioneer in wearing a protective face-mask on the pitch, to sporting a ridiculous pony-tail.
The Lazio fans loved him, for whom he became something of a cult hero for – especially after scoring his first goal for the club against bitter derby rivals Roma; a last minute header which sent them (and him) into hysteria.
The ultimate clown-prince of playmakers, Gazza formed part of an exciting attacking Lazio side at that time, lining-up alongside the likes of Diego Fuser and Guiseppe Signori. However Gazza struggled with injuries for much of his time in Italy and once he left, there was a sense of so much unfulfilled promise.
Still, he left everyone with many great memories during his Italian adventure, not least through his legendary partnership with TV’s James Richardson, whilst appearing on Channel Four’s fantastic Gazzetta Football Italia.
’90s Serie A clubs: Lazio
’90s Serie A apps/goals: 43/6
’90s Serie A honours: None
