Midfielders
Right central midfielder: Javier Zanetti
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Inter legend Javier Zanetti was an example of professionalism, loyalty, hard work, and talent when he was a player. The Argentine played over 1,000 professional games in his career, including 140+ for Argentina.
Zanetti could play anywhere across the backline and midfield and was famed for his discipline, pace, and immense stamina.
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs called Zanetti his most difficult opponent, saying “The most difficult opponent to play against was Javier Zanetti, I faced Zanetti for the first time in the Champions League quarter-finals in 1999, he was the right-back and I was on the left. He impressed with his qualities, his speed, power, intelligence and expertise. I played against him twice more and he was my most difficult opponent, a complete player."
The former Inter captain played professionally until he was 41, and he won plenty of titles with Inter, most notably the Champions League in 2010.
Central defensive midfielder: Andrea Pirlo
When Pirlo moved across Milan from Inter to Milan, nobody expected him to be one of Italy’s all-time great players. But a change of position from Trequarista to Regista did the trick. Pirlo used his divine vision from deep to control games, create chances, and carry out tactical instructions to a tee. He played for Inter, Milan, and Juventus, and is respected by the fans of all three teams.
He was also a set piece master and had a great variety of kicks in his armoury. He could play long, loopy balls into the box, or he could drill his free-kicks in flat, and with pace. He also scored some sublime free-kicks and penalties, memorably chipping Joe Hart in the shootout against England in the Quater-Final of Euro 2016.
Pirlo won 2 Champions Leagues, and 6 Serie A titles alongside a number of other trophies.
Left central midfielder: Pavel Nedved
Quick, Two-footed, and powerful, Pavel Nedved was one of the best players of his generation. Often utilised off the left of midfield, Nedved could also play anywhere in the middle of the park.
Nedved had never ending stamina, giving him a huge physical advantage over his opponents. He was an able dribbler, and a good crosser of the ball as well. Nedved also had a powerful shot and wonderful technique on the volley. Nedved also had good vision which allowed him to thread passes to the forwards and create chances for his teammates.
The Czech man also never shirked from his defensive responsibilities with his work rate being a gift for the coaches he played for. The fact that he “replaced” Zidane and wasn’t found wanting makes a case to what a great player he was.
Nedved spent 13 highly successful years in Italy, and he remains in the hearts of all Italian Football fans.
Central attacking midfielder : Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane may be synonymous with Real Madrid, but his best years arguably came when he played for Juventus. Not much needs to be said about the former playmakers ability as he is widely acknowledged as one of football’s greatest ever players.
The French maverick won the Ballon d’Or in 1998 while playing for The Old Lady, and the way he floated around defenders like they were not there was a treat to watch.
Zidane displayed the kind of form that prompted Madrid to splash out a then world record fee on him.
Zidane made 209 appearances for Juventus over 5 years and scored 31 goals. He won two Serie A titles for the Turin side, along with a number of other trophies. While at Juventus, Edgar Davids, his then teammate said, "He is a special player. He creates space where there is none. No matter where he gets the ball or how it comes to him, he can get out of trouble. His imagination and his technique are amazing".
