Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has played host to some of the best footballers from around the world. The league continues to be one of the biggest sporting affairs in the modern world and has attracted fans from all over. The league’s deep-rooted inheritance of almost 25 years has seen it go from strength to strength.
Italy has also not been an exception to this. Despite Italians often preferring the Serie A over other leagues, the Premier League has seen its fair share of Italian superstars who have stunned us with their magical displays. Some of these players have even have also gone on to have a profound impact on the identity of their club.
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Sportskeeda brings to you the five greatest Italians to have blossomed in the Premier League:
#5 Carlo Cudicini
Carlo Cudicini had a long illustrious career that spanned over 20 years, but it was at Chelsea where the goalkeeper reached new heights. The player’s initial interest in football came because of his father, who was also a goalkeeper for AC Milan.
Cudicini signed for Chelsea in 2000 and soon became a fan favourite. The player was voted the Chelsea Player of the Year in 2001-02 and ITV Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season in the 2002-03 season. The Italian became the first choice keeper for the Blues in the Premier League from 1999-2004.
However, injuries plagued the rest of his stay at Chelsea and the keeper soon became surplus to requirements after the arrival of Jose Mourinho, who preferred Petr Cech as the man between the sticks. Unfortunately for Cudicini, he missed out on the Premier League medal in 2004-05 season since he played just 3 times for Chelsea in the league that season.
#4 Roberto Di Matteo
Although Di Matteo is known more for his Champions League triumph as the Chelsea manager, he had quite a decent time in the Premier League as a player. The Italian made an instant impact by scoring the winner against Middlesbrough on his home debut. The midfielder would later go on to make 119 appearances for the Blues where he scored 15 goals and set up 13 for his team as well.
Di Matteo arrived at Chelsea from Lazio in 1996 and spent over six years at Stamford Bridge. His passing ability and precision as a long distance shooter saw him become an integral part of the Blues squad over the years that he played at the club. Chelsea finished its highest since 1989-90, in the 1996 season when Di Matteo arrived as they ended up at 6th on the table.
#3 Gianluca Vialli
Vialli arrived at Chelsea during the later stages of his career but nonetheless made a big impact. The player made 58 appearances for the Blues and scored 21 goals in the 3 seasons that he spent at Stamford Bridge. The player could never win the Premier League with the Blues but won the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup as well as the UEFA Super Cup and enjoyed great success in the short time that he was at the club.
In 1998, after the sacking of Ruud Gullit, Vialli was made a player-manager for the club and became a part of record books by becoming the first Italian manager in the English Premier League. The Blues finished 4th that season in the league, one of their highest ever finishes during that period.
Vialli’s managerial tenure was shortlived as he received the sack after a falling out with some core players at the club.
#2 Paolo Di Canio
The volatile and temperamental player redefined emotions during his time in the Premier League. The player made headlines with his emotional outbursts and celebration on the field, which drew sharp criticism from plenty. However, no one could deny his quality as a player. Initially signing for Sheffield Wednesday, the Italian would go on to become a cult hero at West Ham.
The player scored 66 goals and assisted 49 times in 190 appearances for the London club. He dazzled the Hammers faithful his beautiful skills and some breathtaking goals. The Italian was honoured as the Hammer of the Year for the 1999-2000 and also won the Goal of the Season award for the same season. His flying volley against Wimbledon is still considered to be one of the greatest Premier League goals.
#1 Gianfranco Zola
Without a shred of doubt, Gianfranco Zola is the greatest Italian to have graced the pitch in the Premier League. The player essentially redefined Chelsea as a club and is till date considered as one of their greatest players of all time. Such was the panache and elegance of the player that it was during Zola’s time that Chelsea became a famous club amongst viewers outside England.
His talents were recognised by all and The Football Writer’s Association honoured him with the title of Player of the Year in the 1996-97 season. The Italian spent seven illustrious years at the London club, going on to win five major trophies during the period.
Zola made 229 appearances for the club in which he scored 59 goals. His creative abilities allowed him to provide 42 assists as well. The Italian was a true legend not just for Chelsea fan but the Premier League as well.
In 2006, Zola was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame for his exemplary performances for Chelsea.
