The legendary Dutch player and manager Johan Cruyff once remarked: “the Italians can’t beat you, but you can certainly lose to them.”
The Azzurri, with their successes at four World Cups and a European Championship spanning more than 70 years, have been one of the most decorated men’s national teams throughout history. Yet, a nation renowned more for their defensive solidity rather than goalscoring prowess.
However, alongside the scores of defenders – who range from bruising to balletic – Italy can boast some of Europe’s legendary forwards across a similar spectrum of grace and gusto.
Antonio Di Natale scored the only goal Spain conceded in the entirety of Euro 2012 / Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Italy Career: 2002 – 2012
Italy Goals: 11
Italy Appearances: 42
Like a fine wine, Antonio Di Natale only got better with age. More than half of his goals and caps came after his 30th birthday and many – particularly in Udine – will argue he was robbed of the chance to add to his tally after missing out on the 2014 World Cup squad.
Luigi Cevenini was a dominant striker in the early days of the sport, scoring 156 times in 190 matches for Inter. pic.twitter.com/UVseeTPOk8
— Inter Club Vintage (@InterVintage) April 11, 2015
Italy Career: 1915 – 1929
Italy Goals: 11
Italy Appearances: 29
As well as goalscoring, Cevenini was famed for his dedication to smoking, supposedly sneaking a cigarette with him out on to the pitch any way he could.
#FelixLevratto #VirgilioLevratto #Levratto #Italy pic.twitter.com/u8UQBmm1rV
— OldFootballPhotos (@OldFootball11) March 1, 2016
Italy Career: 1924 – 1928
Italy Goals: 11
Italy Appearances: 28
Virgilio Levratto, also known as ‘Lo Sfondareti’ – the net-ripper – honed his legendarily powerful shot by playing with a ball made of hardened offal fashioned at his local butcher as a child.
Andrea Pirlo was a pivotal player in Italy’s World Cup triumph in 2006 / MICHAEL URBAN/Getty Images
Italy Career: 2002 – 2015
Italy Goals: 13
Italy Appearances: 116
The elegant, deep-lying playmaker curiously finds his way onto a list of great Italian goal scorers which (spoiler alert) doesn’t contain Francesco Totti.
? Happy birthday Pierluigi #Casiraghi?? 44 #Azzurri appearances⚽️ 13 goals? #Monza, 4 March 1969?USA ’94 World Cup
?? https://t.co/W8qDYGkvLo #AzzurriHeroes #VivoAzzurro #Italy pic.twitter.com/3f0eq9DIg3
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) March 4, 2020
Italy Career: 1991 – 1998
Italy Goals: 13
Italy Appearances: 44
After playing a supplementary role at the 1994 World Cup, Casiraghi proved to be both hero and villain at the next international tournament, scoring a brace in the opening game before missing a crucial chance late on against the Czech Republic as Italy bowed out in the group stage of Euro 1996.
#OnThisDay in 1901 the legendary Raimundo Orsi was born – 1927 Copa América champion with @Argentina, 1934 World Cup winner with Italy pic.twitter.com/lk3CWG8yFE
— GOLAZO (@golazoargentino) December 2, 2016
Italy Career: 1929 – 1935
Italy Goals: 13
Italy Appearances: 35
The Argentinian-born Raimundo Orsi’s move to Juventus and subsequent appearances for the national team were steeped in controversy given his scant Italian heritage. However, there were few protestations from those on the peninsula when he netted a late equaliser in the 1934 World Cup final.
Mario Magnozzi of #Italy, He played for #Livorno 281 matches, scoring 186, and for AC #Milan 97 matches, scoring 31 pic.twitter.com/FgrfI04BWY
— Classic Football (@classic1863) January 22, 2016
Italy Career: 1924 – 1932
Italy Goals: 13
Italy Appearances: 29
The long-serving Livorno sharpshooter made up for his lack of club honours when he won the Olympic bronze medal with Italy in 1928.
#Azzurri Flashbacks: ON THIS DAY in 1962 Gianni #Rivera netted his 1st #Italy goal https://t.co/EuuxIlRVMk @acmilan pic.twitter.com/GnXdsXhFGg
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) December 2, 2015
Italy Career: 1962 – 1974
Italy Goals: 14
Italy Appearances: 60
When England’s World Cup-winning manager Sir Alf Ramsey was asked to name the four strongest Italian players in 1970, he answered: “Rivera, Rivera, Rivera, Rivera.”
Giovanni Ferrari, dynamic midfielder from our golden ‘Quinquennio’ side, was born #OnThisDay in 1907. pic.twitter.com/3s4Dps3cvG
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) December 6, 2014
Italy Career: 1930 – 1938
Italy Goals: 14
Italy Appearances: 44
One of only three Italians who can lay claim to two World Cup triumphs, Giovanni Ferrari enjoyed a trophy-laden career with both country and club, offering a potent goal-threat from midfield.
Mario Balotelli’s celebration against Germany at Euro 2012 has become iconic / GABRIEL BOUYS/Getty Images
Italy Career: 2010 – present
Italy Goals: 14
Italy Appearances: 36
Mario Balotelli’s career is curious and tinged with regret given the striker’s undoubted talents which have, if not gone to waste, certainly not been fully exploited.
? | #OnThisDay in 1️⃣9️⃣3️⃣8️⃣…@azzurri won the last @FIFAWorldCup before #WWII…
Italy ?? 4️⃣Gino Colaussi ⚽️⚽️Silvio Piola ⚽️⚽️
Hungary ?? 2️⃣Pál Titkos ⚽️György Sárosi ⚽️
It was there second #WorldCup triumph…
? pic.twitter.com/E8ZK86LdeA
— Football On This Day (@footieonthisday) June 19, 2018
Italy Career: 1935 – 1940
Italy Goals: 15
Italy Appearances: 26
When Gino Colaussi – scorer of two goals which helped Italy win the 1938 World Cup final – was asked where he learnt his mesmeric dribbling ability, the bewitching winger simply replied: “I don’t know.”
?? Angelo Schiavio won the @azzurri their 1st #WorldCup
?? He rejected mind-blowing offers to spend his full career at @BfcOfficialPage, whom he inspired to 4 @SerieA_EN titles
?♂️ ‘Anzlein’ passed away 30 years ago today, but we’ll never forget him
? https://t.co/8n7zHuXLZm pic.twitter.com/TFLXVhKy2e
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) April 17, 2020
Italy Career: 1925 – 1934
Italy Goals: 15
Italy Appearances: 21
Angelo Schiavio signed off in style, scoring the winning goal in the 1934 World Cup final in his final appearance for the national team.
Julio Libonatti: First of the Oriundi. How divine intervention brought the ‘matador’ to Italy: http://t.co/Wqpf8WtuQj pic.twitter.com/5IjPiUG8Ef
— Dominic Bliss (@theinsidelefty) January 2, 2015
Italy Career: 1926 – 1931
Italy Goals: 15
Italy Appearances: 17
Julio Libonatti’s move from Newell’s Old Boys to Torino not only opened the door for trans-Atlantic transfers but gave the Granata – and the Italian national team by default – a brutally efficient goalscorer.
Gianluca Vialli is still involved with the Italian national team / Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Italy Career: 1985 – 1992
Italy Goals: 16
Italy Appearances: 59
Despite his place in this list, Gianluca Vialli was never truly able to replicate his sensational club form on the international stage and scored just one goal in 11 appearances at the World Cup or Euros.
Luca Toni scored in his first competitive appearance for Italy against Norway in 2004 / ALBERTO PIZZOLI/Getty Images
Italy Career: 2004 – 2009
Italy Goals: 16
Italy Appearances: 47
Before becoming the oldest player to ever top Serie A’s scoring charts, Luca Toni was Italy’s most prolific striker during their 2006 World Cup success.
? A very happy birthday to Alberto #Gilardino, as the former striker from Biella turns 3⃣8⃣ today!
? https://t.co/G4PvUoecvs
Goalscorer, workhorse and World Champion at #Germany2006 ???#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/SmPrbQIQFh
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) July 5, 2020
Italy Career: 2004 – 2013
Italy Goals: 19
Italy Appearances: 57
One of Italy’s most exciting young strikers at the start of his career, Gilardino was the creator of a famous celebration, marking his goals by pretending to play the violin.
? Best wishes to Roberto #Bettega who celebrates his 69th birthday today!
?️ Born in Turin, 27 December 1950
?? 4️⃣2️⃣caps ⚽️ 1️⃣9️⃣ goals
➡️ https://t.co/0OzqJwdZQT#VivoAzzurro #AzzurriLegends pic.twitter.com/7mF6meE1ZW
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) December 27, 2019
Italy Career: 1975 – 1983
Italy Goals: 19
Italy Appearances: 42
A forward of innumerable flicks and backheels, Roberto Bettega was at the tip of Juve’s all-conquering sides in the 1970s and 1980s, only missing out on Italy’s World Cup triumph in 1982 with one of many injuries and illnesses.
?All the very best to Paolo #Rossi who turns 63 today!
?? 48 Italy caps ⚽️ 20 Goals ? 1982 #WorldCup winner ⭐️ Italian Football #HallOfFame member? 1982 Ballon d’Or
? Born in Prato, 23 September 1956
➡️ https://t.co/EGlTdfvXPF#AzzurriLegends #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/drMsqaxY5g
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) September 23, 2019
Italy Career: 1977 – 1986
Italy Goals: 20
Italy Appearances: 48
The title of Paolo Rossi’s autobiography draws a sharp focus on his most famous and important moment in an Italy shirt: I Made Brazil Cry. Rossi’s hat-trick against a legendary Brazil side in the 1982 World Cup – the first of a competition-high six goals he scored – was pivotal to Italy’s success in that year’s tournament.
Daniele De Rossi is the fourth-most capped player in the history of Italian national team / AFP/Getty Images
Italy Career: 2004 – 2017
Italy Goals: 21
Italy Appearances: 117
As a key player – and scorer in the final’s penalty shootout – De Rossi is more than deserving of his World Cup winners medal in 2006. Yet, in a touching act of kindness, the former Azzurri skipper left his medal in the coffin of the team’s kitman, Pietro Lombardi.
?? 70 #Azzurri caps⚽️ 22 goals ? 1968 European Championship
? Happy Birthday Sandro #Mazzola! 75 today! ?? https://t.co/kdvdLQ5hg6#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/ShZE1HNJdl
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) November 8, 2017
Italy Career: 1963 – 1974
Italy Goals: 22
Italy Appearances: 70
Sandro Mazzola’s ascension to one of the finest players in the history of Inter and Italy is made all the more impressive given he was able to rise out of the shadow cast by the legendary figure of his father, Valentino.
A very happy birthday to former #Italy international, Ciccio #Graziani!Read more here: https://t.co/OBveHMLaWW pic.twitter.com/2oaTIc4ime
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) December 16, 2015
Italy Career: 1975 – 1983
Italy Goals: 23
Italy Appearances: 64
A star of clubs outside Italy’s traditional elite, Francesco ‘Ciccio’ Graziani scored a decisive goal in the group stage of Italy’s ultimately triumphant 1982 World Cup campaign.
Christian Vieri was a terrifying proposition for opposition defenders / Stu Forster/Getty Images
Italy Career: 1997 – 2005
Italy Goals: 23
Italy Appearances: 49
Fast, strong, clinical. Christian Vieri was one of the most lethal – and hotly desired, given the number of clubs and cumulative transfer fee he commanded – of his era.
A very Happy Birthday to 1982 #WorldCup winner Alessandro #Altobelli! https://t.co/pHnZHqTlIN#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/H2pa1phXqk
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) November 28, 2015
Italy Career: 1980 – 1988
Italy Goals: 25
Italy Appearances: 61
The well-rounded forward became just the second ever substitute to score in a World Cup final when he netted Italy’s third against West Germany in 1982.
Filippo Inzaghi scored in his only appearance at Italy’s triumphant 2006 World Cup / Claudio Villa/ Grazia Neri/Getty Images
Italy Career: 1997 – 2007
Italy Goals: 25
Italy Appearances: 57
The striker Sir Alex Ferguson insisted was ‘born offside’ ensured he deceived the assistant referee on at least 25 occasions in the famous blue kit.
Adolfo #Baloncieri, sixth best goal scorer in the #Azzurri’s history http://t.co/J4l3UVPIMA #VivoAzzurro #Italy pic.twitter.com/ZedLkMTkPT
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) July 27, 2015
Italy Career: 1920 – 1930
Italy Goals: 25
Italy Appearances: 47
One of Italy’s greatest playmakers, Baloncieri holds the distinction of being the nation’s highest scoring midfielder.
Alessandro Del Piero scored the latest goal in World Cup history against Germany in the 2006 semi-finals / Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Italy Career: 1995 – 2008
Italy Goals: 27
Italy Appearances: 91
A modern centre-forward, Del Piero all but perfected the art of cutting in from the left to curl the ball into the far top corner – doing so with such regularity it became known as the ‘Del Piero’ shot.
Roberto Baggio scored in all three World Cups held in the 1990s / Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images
Italy Career: 1988 – 2004
Italy Goals: 27
Italy Appearances: 56
The standout player of the 1994 World Cup, no one has scored more goals in the competition for Italy than Baggio.
⭐️ #AzzurriLegends ??
The great goalscorer Silvio #Piola was born #OnThisDay on 29 September 1913.
Profile ➡️https://t.co/WnqjK833gZ #Italy #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/naY2yht5eh
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) September 29, 2018
Italy Career: 1935 – 1952
Italy Goals: 30
Italy Appearances: 34
Serie A’s all-time top scorer Silvio Piola was synonymous with goals and something of a good luck charm for the national team – over a period of 17 years, Italy only lost twice when Piola played for them.
⭐️ ⭐️ #Italy’s second top scorer, Giuseppe #Meazza, was born on 23/08/1910: https://t.co/hwxFEUpHqh#AzzurriLegend pic.twitter.com/FKXmQr2xdq
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) August 23, 2016
Italy Career: 1930 – 1939
Italy Goals: 33
Italy Appearances: 53
Vittorio Pozzo, the manager of Italy’s two World Cup triumphs in 1934 and 1938, aptly summed up the impact brought by Giuseppe Meazza, his principal striker, in those sides, saying: “to have him in your team meant to start 1-0 up.”
#AzzurriLegends: Gigi #Riva is #Italy’s all-time leading scorer with 35 goals -> http://t.co/gp3PqXjLcK pic.twitter.com/MOFzjziew1
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) April 16, 2015
Italy Career: 1965 – 1974
Italy Goals: 35
Italy Appearances: 42
Luigi ‘Gigi’ Riva’s shot was so ferocious that Gianni Brera – the definitive Italian sports journalist – perfectly christened him ‘Rombo di tuono’, ‘Thunder’.
