The Top 10 – Panini Calciatori 1985-1986

Glenn Peter Stromberg, or Strömberg, was a significant figure in Atalanta’s squad during the 1985-86 Serie A season. Known for his physical presence, versatility, and strong work ethic, Strömberg was a key player in the midfield and was named, “the marathon man”. Strömberg has robust tackling, aerial ability, and stamina, making him a reliable presence both defensively and offensively. Strömberg was also known for his leadership qualities and his ability to inspire on the field.

In the 1985-86 Serie A season, Strömberg signed for Atalanta. The team had a challenging campaign, and his performances helped them navigate through tough matches. Strömberg would go onto be a club legend and spend 8 seasons with the club and retire there.

Stromberg was a key player for the Swedish National Team, scoring 7 times from 52 caps. Here is his second year sticker, with his rookie being from Calciatori 1984/85. He has a product from the year before that for Benfica, but I am not quite prepared to call it a rookie just yet as it is a stamp. I might change my mind.

Giuseppe Giannini was a creative Italian midfielderk nown for his elegance, vision, and technical prowess. Giannini was often referred to as “Il Principe” (The Prince) due to his stylish play and leadership qualities on the field. His play style showed excellent ball control, precise passing, and ability to orchestrate the game from the midfield.

In the 1985-86 Serie A season, Giannini played a pivotal role in Roma’s impressive campaign. Under the management of Sven-Göran Eriksson, Roma finished second in the league, just behind Juventus. Giannini’s performances were instrumental in this achievement as he featured in 22 league games of a possible 30.

Here is his second year sticker. Giannini was once Mr. Roma, having spent 15 seasons at the club! Now his crown has been taken by Totti, but he is still a Roma legend. A nice sticker to get us started.

Graeme Souness was a complete midfielder renowned for his toughness, leadership, and excellent all-around skills. His style was characterised by his aggressive tackling, strong physical presence, and ability to control the tempo of the game. Souness was the driving force in midfield for all the teams he player, especially the super successful Liverpool.

In the 1985-86 Serie A season, Souness played for Sampdoria, having joined the club from Liverpool in 1984, where he had enjoyed a highly successful period. His arrival in Italy brought a new level of experience and grit to the Sampdoria midfield. The 85/86 season as a very poor one for Sampdoria, as they finished near the bottom of the league.

Souness had a legendary career, winning 5 league titles and 3 European Cups with Liverpool. Additionally, he won the 1985 Coppa Italia with Sampdoria, and 2 league titles Rangers. A really cool sticker and one towards the end of his career.

Michael Laudrup was a Danish attacking midfielder and was widely regarded for his exceptional technical skills, vision, and elegance on the ball. His his dribbling ability, precise passing, and creativity, made him one of the most gifted playmakers of his era. Laudrup was known for his ability to read the game, create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

The 1985-86 Serie A season, saw Laudrup return to Juventus having played for Lazio on loan for 2 seasons because of registration issues. His impact at Juventys was significant, as he brought flair and creativity to the team’s attacking play, helping them to the title.

Laudrup had a huge career! After 4 seasons at Juve and 1 Serie A title, he moved to Barcelona where he won 4 La Liga titles and 1 European Cup! Incredibly, he left Barca for Real Madrid in 1994 and won the La Liga title again! In 1998 he finished his career at Ajax and capped it off by winning the league.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was one of the most prolific and accomplished strikers of his time! Known for his clinical finishing, athleticism, and tactical intelligence, Rummenigge combined technical skill with physical strength to become a formidable presence in the attacking third. His play style was marked by his ability to score goals from various positions, his excellent movement off the ball, and his knack for being in the right place at the right time.

After an incredibly successful time as Bayern, where he won 2 league titles and 2 European cups, he signed for Inter in the 1985-86 Serie A season. At Inter, Rummenigge was a key player, bringing his experience and goal-scoring ability to the team. Despite facing some injury challenges during his time in Italy, Rummenigge’s performances when fit were impactful. In the 85/86 season he scored 13 goals.

Rummenigge was capped in incredible 95 times for Germany, scoring 45 goals! This number of caps is crazy for this era! It wasn’t like the current times (2024) where there are loads of friendlies and many competitions. A really cool sticker.

Michel Platini, a French attacking midfielder, is celebrated as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Renowned for his exceptional vision, technical skill, and goal-scoring ability, Platini had precise passing, creativity, and extraordinary ability to score from midfield. He had a keen sense of positioning and a remarkable knack for free-kicks, making him a consistent threat in set-piece situations.

During the 1985-86 Serie A season, Platini played for Juventus, where he was a pivotal figure. His contributions were instrumental in leading Juventus to secure the Serie A title that season. Platini’s ability to control the game from midfield, create scoring opportunities for his teammates, and his proficiency in finding the back of the net saw him score 12 goals. Platini was the top scorer for Juventus and the league, demonstrating his dual role as a playmaker and a prolific goal-scorer.

Platini had an illustrious career, previously having played for Nancy and Saint Etienne. He won the Ballon d’Or an incredible 3 times!

Nicola Berti was known for his dynamism, versatility, and tireless work rate. His play style was shaped by his robust physical presence, ability to cover large areas of the pitch, and his knack for making powerful forward runs from midfield. Berti was effective both defensively and offensively.

During the 1985-86 Serie A season, Berti was playing for Fiorentina after signing from Parma. His performances were notable and played a crucial role in his development as a player, and he signed for Inter Milan in 1988. He would go on to have a successful career in Serie A and establish himself as one of the prominent midfielders of his generation.

For Inter he played 229 matches over 10 seasons before moving to Tottenham. He won the some rare silverware with Spurs (League Cup) before ending his career in Australia at Northern Spirit. Berti finished his career with 39 caps coming close to winning 2 World Cups (second and third).

A really top rookie sticker!

Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time! Known for his extraordinary dribbling ability, vision, and creativity, Maradona’s play style was shaped by his exceptional control of the ball, his ability to run through teams, and his powerful and accurate shooting. He was also a brilliant playmaker, capable of delivering precise passes and orchestrating his team’s attacking plays.

In the 1985-86 Serie A season, Maradona was in his second season with Napoli, having joined the club in 1984. His impact on the team and the league was profound. Maradona’s performances were electrifying, as he consistently displayed his genius on the pitch, creating and scoring goals that dazzled fans and opponents alike. His presence elevated Napoli’s status in Italian football, making them a competitive force in Serie A, finishing third.

During that season, Maradona scored 11 goals in the league, showcasing his ability to not only set up his teammates but also to finish chances himself. His influence extended beyond his individual statistics; he was the heart and soul of the Napoli team, inspiring his teammates and lifting the entire club’s performance.

We all know the legacy this man has and any sticker he has is going to be a big one!

Paolo Maldini is one of the most iconic and revered footballers in the history of the sport. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, versatility, and leadership, Maldini had impeccable timing in tackles, intelligence in positioning, and ability to read the game. His composure under pressure, technical ability, and athleticism allowed him to excel both as a left-back and a centerback.

During the 1985-86 Serie A season, Paolo Maldini was an emerging talent at AC Milan. At just 17 years old, he began to make his mark in the first team. Although he was still early in his career, Maldini showed glimpses of the greatness that would define his future. His debut came in the 1984-85 season, but it was in the 1985-86 season that he started to gain more playing time and experience.

Over the next two decades, Maldini would go on to win numerous titles with AC Milan, including seven Serie A titles and five UEFA Champions Leagues! A 1 club legend, Maldini stayed at Milan for a whopping 25 seasons!

One of the biggest rookie stickers you can find, and if in a high grade, is worth a fortune!

The best rookie sticker in Panini Calciatori 1985-1986 is the Roberto Baggio rookie sticker!

There needed to be something special to top Paolo Madini’s rookie sticker and this sticker, I think, is that something special!

Roberto Baggio, an Italian attacking midfielder or forward, was renowned for his exceptional technical skills, vision, and creativity. Known for his dribbling ability, precise passing, and flair on the ball, Baggio’s capacity to make incisive runs, create scoring opportunities, and score stunning goals made him one of the world’s best players. His finesse and ability to perform in crucial moments made him one of the most celebrated players of his generation.

In the 1985-86 Serie A season, Roberto Baggio transferred to Fiorentina. During the 1985-86 season, Baggio didn’t actually make an appearance because of injuries, but he made a huge impact in the coming seasons. After dazzling for Fiorentina for 4 seasons, he transferred to Juventus in 1990. His impressive performances continued and he won the Ballon d’Or in 1993.

During his career, he would also play for AC Milan, Inter Milan, Bologna and Brescia. Despite being plagued by injuries his whole career, he still managed to be one of the world’s greats and is one of the most loved footballers in history. Baggio’s elegance, skillful dribbling, and incredible goals gave the fans many great memories. He finished his career with 291 goals in 643 games and 27 goals in 56 caps for Italy.

This is a massive rookie sticker and like Maldini is worth a fortune! I don’t have either stickers yet but I will take the opportunity to grab them when available.