The 2005/06 season saw Inter Milan win the title, but it wasn’t without controversy! Juvetus actually finished the season with 15 more points than Inter but instead of winning the title, Juventus were relegated – found guilty of match fixing! AC Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio were also docked 30 points for similar discretions. All that being said, the 2005/06 season was full of goals and excitement.
Let’s see what stickers we can get from this set. From the top of my head nothing particular sprang to mind so it was always going to be an interesting search! Let’s get into the top 10!
10 – Paolo Di Canio Final Sticker of Career – #188 – Rookie Sticker from Panini Calciatori 1988-1989
Di Canio possessed excellent technique and was comfortable with the ball at his feet. He had a wide range of skills, including feints, stepovers, and quick changes of direction, which allowed him to dribble past opponents and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His ability to maintain control of the ball in tight spaces and under pressure was impressive.
One of Di Canio’s trademarks was his spectacular goals and moments of individual brilliance. He had a powerful and accurate shot, and he was capable of scoring from various positions on the pitch. Di Canio was not only a goal scorer but also a provider, with his precise passing and ability to create scoring chances for his teammates.
Here is one of Di Canio’s famous goals for West Ham, demonstrating his incredible skill and flair!
Beyond his technical abilities, Di Canio was known for his passionate and intense playing style. He wore his heart on his sleeve and displayed a strong work ethic on the pitch. Di Canio’s commitment and dedication made him a favorite among fans who admired his never-give-up attitude and determination.
This being his final sticker, I think its fitting he makes the top 10!
9 – Julio Cruz – #141 – Rookie Sticker from Navarrete Copa América 1997
Julio Cruz was known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing in front of goal. Standing at 1.91 meters, he possessed strength and a commanding presence that made him a formidable opponent for defenders. His height and excellent heading ability made him a significant threat in the air, allowing him to win aerial duels and score goals with his head.
Cruz had a keen sense of positioning inside the penalty box, often finding himself in the right place at the right time to pounce on loose balls or connect with crosses. His predatory instincts and anticipation made him a reliable goal scorer, and performed the role that is now popularly referred to as “the poacher”.
Throughout his career, Cruz played for several clubs, including Banfield, River Plate, Feyenoord, Inter Milan, and Lazio. His 2005/06 season was particularly memorable, as he scored 15 league goals, helping Inter win the title.
8 – David Suazo – #47 – Rookie Sticker from Panini Calciatori 1999-2000
David Suazo, a Honduran striker, had a successful career in football. He was a versatile and dynamic forward who possessed excellent speed, agility, and technical ability. He was known for his explosive pace and quick acceleration, which allowed him to outpace defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities.
One of Suazo’s standout attributes was his ability to score goals from various positions and angles. He was a clinical finisher, capable of scoring with both feet and his head. Suazo had a keen eye for goal and demonstrated excellent composure in front of the net. This was evident in the 2005/06 season with Suazo scoring 22 league goals in a weak Cagliari side.
This epic season alone was the reason Suazo made it onto the list!
7 – Francesco Lodi Rookie Sticker – #88
Francesco Lodi was known for his excellent technical skills and exceptional passing ability. He was a playmaking midfielder who possessed a wide range of passing techniques, including accurate long balls, precise through balls, and incisive crosses. Lodi had great vision and the ability to read the game, allowing him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates with his precise distribution.
Typically deployed as a deep-lying playmaker, Lodi aimed to dictate the tempo of the play from deep. One of Lodi’s standout attributes was his proficiency in set-pieces, particularly free kicks. He had a remarkable ability to bend the ball with precision and accuracy, making him a significant threat from dead-ball situations.
Lodi went onto to have a solid career playing in the top flight for around 10 years never really being a star player, but being a solid member of each team he represented.
6 – David Trezeguet – #167 – Rookie Sticker from Panini FOOT 1997-1998
Trezeguet was renowned for his lethal goal-scoring ability and clinical finishing. He had a natural instinct for finding the back of the net and possessed excellent positioning inside the box. Trezeguet had a remarkable sense of timing and anticipation, allowing him to make intelligent runs and exploit spaces to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Trezeguet was also an excellent header of the ball. He was the wingers dream and a true poacher in the box! Trezeguet was a key member of the French national team, contributing to their success in major tournaments. In the 2005/06 season Trezeguet bagged 23 league goals finishing second in the golden boot.
Being one of the iconic strikers in world football, this sticker is always an interesting choice.
5 – Victor Obinna Rookie Sticker – #71
Obinna possessed excellent speed, agility, and quickness, making him a dynamic and mobile player on the field. His acceleration and ability to change direction quickly allowed him to evade defenders and create scoring opportunities. Obinna was known for his bursts of pace and direct style of play, often making penetrating runs to break through the defensive lines.
One of Obinna’s notable attributes was his powerful and accurate shooting. He had a strong right foot and was capable of unleashing shots from various distances. Victor peaked early in the grand scheme of things. He showed extreme promise which eventually earned him a move to Inter Milan. Things didn’t really work out and he spent the rest of his career bouncing from club to club.
Overall, Obinna totalled 48 caps for Nigeria, scoring 12. Not the strongest rookie sticker, but I think one worth adding to the collection.
4 – Francesco Totti – #383 – Rookie Sticker from Panini Calciatori 1994/95
Totti is a true legend of the game. He was known for his vision, creativity, and technical brilliance, making him one of the most gifted playmakers of his generation. His primary position was as an attacking midfielder or a second striker, where he orchestrated Roma’s attacking play with his exceptional passing ability. Totti possessed outstanding vision and an innate understanding of the game, enabling him to pick out precise through balls and set up goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.
One of Totti’s trademark attributes was his incredible technique. He had exceptional ball control and close ball mastery, allowing him to manipulate the ball with ease even in tight spaces. Totti’s technical skills were further amplified by his ability to execute precise and powerful shots. He was a free-kick specialist, renowned for his accuracy and ability to bend the ball over the defensive wall and into the net.
Moreover, Totti was a leader on the field, both by example and through his vocal presence. His passion and determination were evident in his performances, and he inspired his teammates with his commitment and dedication to the club. Totti had an exceptional understanding of Roma’s culture and values, having spent his entire professional career with the club.
The 2005/06 saw Totti bag 15 goals just falling short of the Serie A title, finishing second!
3 – Kaka – #283 – Rookie Sticker from Panini Campeonato Brasileiro 2002
Kaka was known for his incredible combination of skill, speed, and intelligence on the pitch. His primary position was as an attacking midfielder, where he excelled in both scoring goals and creating opportunities for his teammates. Kaka possessed exceptional technical ability, with excellent ball control, dribbling skills, and precise passing.
One of Kaka’s standout attributes was his blistering pace. He had the ability to accelerate quickly and leave defenders in his wake, making him a constant threat in the final third. His speed allowed him to penetrate defensive lines and create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. In addition to his speed, Kaka had remarkable agility and balance, enabling him to change direction effortlessly and maintain control of the ball even under pressure. His close ball control allowed him to weave through tight spaces and beat opponents in one-on-one situations.
Kaka was also renowned for his superb vision and passing range. He possessed the ability to spot openings in the opposition’s defense and deliver precise through balls to unlock their backline. His passing accuracy and ability to split defenses with incisive passes made him a key playmaker for his team.
Still earlier in his career, Kaka had an excellent season, scoring 14 goals from midfield. Any early Kaka is a good sticker to have!
2 – Luca Toni – #119 – Rookie Sticker from Panini Calciatori 1999-2000
Luca Toni’s height and strength made him a dominant figure in the penalty area, where he would often outmuscle defenders and win aerial duels. He possessed exceptional heading ability and timing, allowing him to direct the ball with precision and power towards the goal.
While his physicality was a notable asset, Toni also displayed excellent technical skills. He had good ball control, which enabled him to bring down long balls and hold up play effectively. His ability to shield the ball from defenders and bring his teammates into play was instrumental in his team’s attacking build-up.
One of Toni’s greatest strengths was his remarkable finishing ability. He had a keen eye for goal and was adept at finding the back of the net with both his feet and his head. This was evident in the 2005/06 season as Toni scored a monstrous 31 Serie A goals!
For that feat alone, Toni has made it to the number 2 spot on the list.
1 – Graziano Pelle Rookie Sticker – #212
Graziano Pellè was an Italian professional football player known for his powerful and physical style of play as a striker. Pelle’s playing style revolves around his ability to hold up the ball, bring teammates into play, and provide a focal point for his team’s attacking movements. He excels in using his physicality to shield the ball from defenders, allowing his team to maintain possession and build attacks.
One of Pelle’s notable attributes was his heading ability. With his height and timing, he posed a constant threat in aerial duels, making him a potent target for crosses and set-pieces. Technically, Pelle was a proficient striker. He possessed good ball control, enabling him to receive and retain possession even under pressure. He can link up with teammates with short passes and has the ability to score from various positions, whether it be inside the box or from distance with powerful strikes.
Pelle had a slow start to his career but eventually found his feet at Feyenoord, where he put up huge numbers. He then earned a move to Southampton and proved to be one of the best Premier League strikers during his time there. After Southampton, with many options on the table, he chose a move to secure his financial future in China – where he averaged a goal every 2 games.
Pelle’s light to shine too long, but when it did, it was a bright light! I personally have got myself this rookie sticker and I think Graziano is a underrated number 9!
Summary
Overall, I think this is quite a weak set in terms of monetary value. In terms of what a shambolic season this was for Italian football, it could be worth collecting for memories. I would say for the investors out there, this is not the set to buy!
Hope you enjoyed reading. Thanks!