The 1998/99 Serie A season in Italy was marked a surprise title race between AC Milan and Lazio. AC Milan emerged as the champions, led by stars like George Weah, Andriy Shevchenko, and Paolo Maldini. Lazio finished 1 point behind in second, with a very strong squad featuring the likes of, Nesta, Mancini, Mihajlovic, Nedved and Vieri.
Its always an interesting set to rank when there is a new team amongst the top. Lets see what the Calciatori 98/99 set brings.
Let’s get into the top 10!
The Panini Calciatori 1998-1999 Album
10- Roberto De Zerbi Rookie Sticker – #536
Roberto De Zerbi was a midfielder known for his technical ability, vision, and passing range. His key skills included precise passing, intelligent movement off the ball, and the ability to dictate the tempo of the game from midfield.
During the 1998/99 season, De Zerbi played for Monza in Serie B. He was a bit of a nomadic player, most notably playing a few seasons at Napoli. I think the interest from this rookie sticker stems from the fact he has become a successful Manager, known for his attractive style of football.
9 – Christian Vieri – #182 – Rookie Sticker from Panini Calciatori 1992/93
Christian Vieri was the ideal number 9! He was a dominant presence in the box, often outmuscling defenders to win aerial duels and create goal-scoring opportunities. His key skills included powerful shooting with both feet, accurate headers, and intelligent positioning inside the penalty area. Vieri possessed a natural goal-scoring instinct and had a knack for finding the back of the net.
During the 1998/99 season, Vieri played for Lazio in Serie A. It was a prolific campaign for him and Lazio as they narrowly finished second in the league. Vieri was crucial for the team and was awarded the Serie A player of the season! Given he won the player of the season, and his reputation, this sticker had to make the list!
8 – Bernardo Corradi Rookie Sticker – #501
Bernardo Corradi was a striker known for his aerial ability. In his game, his relied on strong aerial duels, intelligent movement off the ball, and clinical finishing with his head and feet.
During the 1998/99 season, Corradi although contracted to Serie A club Cagliari, spent the season on loan at Fidelis Andria. He had a solid season, scoring 7. The following season he earned a move to Chievo Verona. Corradi is an interesting player, despite having played for a very impresive list of teams, he has often been on the periphery. He has played for: Inter Milan, Lazio, Manchester City, Valencia, Parma, Reggina and Udinese.
Definitely could have had a better career but he was definitely a solid striker. A nice left field rookie sticker to pick up.
7 – Cristian Brocchi Rookie Sticker – #615
Cristian Brocchi was solid center midfielder known for his work rate, tactical intelligence, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. His key skills included reliable passing and positional awareness, making him an center midfielder. Brocchi was also known for his defensive contributions, as he was adept at intercepting passes, breaking up opposition attacks, and initiating counter-attacks.
During the 1998/99 season, Brocchi played for Hellas Verona in Serie B. After some impressive performances he earned a move to Inter Milan in the 2000/01 season, and then moved to AC Milan the following season. He was a back up in a strong AC Milan squad (Gattuso, Pirlo, Rui Costa, Seedorf), but was an effective player when used. He managed to win 1 title and 2 UCL titles with Milan.
He finished off his career at Lazio with 129 appearances. Not a household name but a good Serie A player who has had a solid career. Not a bad rookie sticker if you ask me.
6 – Marcelo Zalayeta Rookie Sticker – #88
Marcelo Zalayeta was a big and strong Uruguayan striker. He known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and goal-scoring prowess. His key skills included holding up the ball, winning aerial duels, and finishing chances with both feet and his head. Zalayeta was also known for his intelligent movement off the ball, often finding himself in goal-scoring positions.
During the 1998/99 season, Zalayeta played for Empoli, on loan from Juventus, recently signing from Danubio. In truth, it was a poor season for Empoli, but Marcelo went on to have a solid career at Juventus. He was contracted to Juventus for 10 years, going out on loan a few times during the 10 year stint. After Juventus, he moved onto Napoli and Bologna, performing the target man role his big frame allowed him to do.
Zalayeta finished with 3 Serie A titles with Juventus and two League titles with Danubio. Not a bad career and not a bad rookie sticker!
5 – Simone Inzaghi Rookie Sticker – #272
Simone Inzaghi was an Italian forward known for his intelligent movement, goal-scoring instinct, and physicality. He had a knack for finding space in the opposition’s defense and timing his runs into the box to try capitalise on scoring opportunities. Often compared to his brother, Filippo, he wasn’t quite the killer poacher he was, but nontheless, he was a solid striker.
Inzaghi played most of his career at Lazio in, scoring 55 goals in 196 appearances. In his first season, he managed to lift the Serie A title in an unexpected Lazio triumph! Now he is more known as a top manager. First at Lazio, and now at Inter, where they are set to win the 2023/24 Serie A title.
This could be a very interesting rookie sticker if he continues the success he has shown in his managerial career thus far.
4 – Gennaro Gattuso – #311 – Rookie Sticker from Panini Scottish Premier Division 1997-1998
Gennaro Gattuso was one of the AC Milan greats! Known for his tenacity, aggression, and work rate on the field, he was a tireless ball-winner and renowned for his ability to disrupt opposition attacks with his tough tackling and relentless pressing. Gattuso’s physicality and tactical awareness made him a formidable presence in midfield, providing stability and defensive cover for his team. Additionally, he is famous for his fiery temper, often getting himself booked.
During the 1998/99 season, Gattuso played for Salernitana in Serie A. His impressive performances saw him earn a move to AC Milan the following season and the rest is history. He would go on to stay in Milan for 13 seasons, featuring 468 times! He would go on to win basically everything you can win, including the 2006 World Cup with the Italian National Team.
I really love this sticker! Although not his rookie, it represents his first sticker in Italy. Who would have thought his first sticker would be in the Scottish division for Rangers!
3 – Hidetoshi Nakata Rookie Sticker – #246
Hidetoshi Nakata is a Japanese midfielder who is an absolute legend in his home country! He possessed excellent ball control and passing ability, often orchestrating plays from midfield and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. Nakata was also recognised for his intelligence and tactical awareness, which allowed him to adapt to different roles within the team effectively.
During the 1998/99 season, Nakata played for Perugia in the Serie A. He made a significant impact with his performances, showcasing his skillful dribbling, precise passing, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game from midfield. He earned a move to AS Roma the following season and then onto Parma the following season after that.
Nakata was definitely a solid player during his time in Italy but he wasn’t quite a world beater. His value stems from the impact he has had on Japanese football, where he is still probably considered their most popular player. He went on to cap for Japan 77 times and ended his career as a national hero.
This is a big big rookie sticker.
2 – Fabrizio Miccoli Rookie Sticker – #590
Fabrizio Miccoli was an diminutive forward known for his agility, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess. He possessed excellent dribbling ability, quick acceleration, and precise finishing, making him a constant threat to opposing defences. Miccoli would pull off miracles with his technique and flair, often scoring spectacular volleys and goals from distance. It should be noted that he was also known for his playmaking skills, dropping into midfield and playing incisive balls through the opposition defence.
During the 1998/99 season, Miccoli played for Ternana in Serie B. He had a successful campaign, showcasing his goal-scoring ability, scoring 15 goals. He would go on to play for Juventus, Fiorentina, Benfica and Palermo. I think his best football came at Palermo, where he was their main man scoring goals for fun.
I think Miccoli was top class! He was just exremely unlucky to be born in the era he was born. Italy was absolutely blessed with strikers, limiting Miccoli to 10 caps. Ahead of him were the likes of: Inzaghi, Totti, Del Piero, Vieri, Cassano, Iaquinta, Toni and Di Natale. Absolutely ridiculous how much talent is in that short list. It is an achievement in itself to manage 10 caps! This is one of my favourite rookie sticker; who doesn’t love the era of the short Italian strikers!
1 – Dejan Stankovic Rookie Sticker – #177
Dejan Stankovic is the best rookie sticker in Panini Calciatori 1998/99.
Dejan Stankovic was a Serbian midfielder renowned for his versatility, work rate, and technical ability. He possessed exceptional vision, passing accuracy, and weapon of a long shot. Most importantly, he was an extremely reliable player, consistently putting in solid performances in the Serie A.making him a valuable asset in midfield. Stankovic was known for his ability to control the tempo of the game, dictate play from midfield, and contribute both defensively and offensively.
During the 1998/99 season, Stankovic transferred from Red Star Belgrade to Lazio. He was an instant key player for the team, showcasing his leadership qualities and influencing matches with his all-around midfield play. After 6 seasons with Lazio, Including a Serie A title, Stankovic move the Inter Milan, where he would become a legend. He would go onto play 326 games for Inter, winning the Serie A title 5 times! Additionally, he lifted the UCL title in 2010! To top it all off, he capped Serbia 103 times and also captained the team.
This rookie sticker is extremely underrated. Stankovic is a big time player and I think deserves more credit. I highly recommend this rookie sticker!
Summary
This was a very interesting set for me to review. I had this article planned, but is was fast tracked as my friend GSCollects made a review request as he recently finished the album. A very unique album with some very interesting rookies. I really enjoy when a set hit me with such interesting stickers that names such as Ronaldo, Del Piero and Zidane miss the list!
Let me know what you guys think by commenting below or you can message me on my instagram.
I will also give a shoutout to GSCollects and encourage everyone to follow him – he’s one of the nicest guys in the hobby. Click the following text for his Instagram or his Tiktok.
Thanks for reading!
Really enjoyed reading this blog! What I always loved most about this collection was the wide range of players you would go back and look at who were playing in Serie B and C! Really well researched top 10 as always 👏🏻 keep up the good work
Thanks for the kind words Gareth!