The Top 10 – Panini Calciatori 2000-2001

Ivan Pelizzoli was an Italian goalkeeper known for his imposing height, shot-stopping ability, and composure under pressure. Standing at 196 centimetres, he had excellent reach, which made him particularly strong in dealing with aerial threats and long-range shots. He had good reflexes, and ability to command his area. He was reliable in one-on-one situations and had solid positioning, allowing him to make saves without relying too much on acrobatics. Pelizzoli was a keeper of the gold school mold, where his distribution was restricted to long balls.

At his peak, he was considered one of Italy’s promising goalkeepers, earning a move to AS Roma, where he showed flashes of brilliance. However, inconsistent performances and competition for the starting spot limited his longterm impact at the highest level. Despite this, he had a respectable career, playing for various clubs in Italy and a stint at Lokomotiv Moscow. He also managed 2 caps for Italy in the era of Buffon and Toldo – not bad at all!

Marco Cassetti primarily played as a right-back but was also capable of operating as a centerback or a right sided midfielder. Known for his versatility, tactical intelligence, and composure, Cassetti had a well-rounded rounded game. Cassetti had strong positioning, good aerial ability, and a solid defensive presence, making him reliable a reliable defender. Offensively, he had a decent crossing ability and could support attacks by overlapping on the right flank.

Cassetti’s best football came at AS Roma, where he spent 6 seasons. During this time, he broke into a strong Italian National Team, managing 5 caps! He finished his career with 2 Coppa Italia titles. A solid defender and a nice rookie sticker!

Matteo Brighi was a combative midfielder known for his work rate, versatility, and tactical intelligence. He primarily played as a central or defensive midfielder but was also capable of operating in more advanced roles when neccesary. Brighi could run all day because of his stamina! He also was a disciplined player with ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. He was an efficient passer, capable of maintaining possession and distributing the ball with accuracy, though he was not a flashy playmaker. Defensively, he was tenacious in pressing and tackling, making him a reliable presence in the midfield.

Like Pelizzoli and Cassetti, Brighi’s best football came at Roma, where he was contracted from 2004 until 2013. He signed for Roma with great anticipation as he won the Italian Young Footballer of the Year in 2002! He finished his career with 4 Italian caps and 1 Coppa Italia.

Massimo Maccarone was an Italian forward known for his versatility, goal-scoring ability, and intelligent movement. He could play as a striker or second striker, adapting to different tactical systems with his combination of technical skill and physical presence. Maccarone was a good finisher who could use his positioning, and ability to exploit spaces to get onto the scoresheet. He was a composed striker in front of goal, capable of scoring with both feet and his head. While not the fastest player, he made up for it with smart movement and anticipation, allowing him to get into scoring postions. He also had good ball control and could link up well with teammates.

He gained prominence with Empoli and later played in England where he signed Middlesbrough. He got a reputation for scoring big goals in European competitions. His leadership and consistency made him a key figure for several clubs, particularly during his multiple spells at Empoli, where he became a fan favourite. In a golden era of Italian strikers, Maccarone won 2 caps with the National Team! A nice rookie sticker – especially because he has hair!

Mark/Marko Bresciano was an Australian midfielder known for his technical ability, versatility, and composure on the ball. He primarily central playmaker, but could also play wide. Bresciano had excellent ball control, good vision, and the ability to dictate the tempo of a game. He was particularly effective in advanced midfield roles, where he could contribute with precise passing, intelligent movement, and well timed runs into the box. He possessed a powerful and accurate shot, making him a threat from distance and set-piece situations.

Although not the most physically dominant or aggressive player, Bresciano made up for it with his tactical awareness and ability to read the game. He played a key role for the Australian National Team, particularly in World Cups, and enjoyed a successful club career in Italy with Parma, Palermo, and Lazio. His calm and composed style earned him the nickname “Cool Bresciano,” and he remained a pivotal figure in Australian football history. He finished his career with 84 caps! A huge sticker for Australian collectors!

Cristian Maggio was a dynamic right wing-back known for his marauding runs down the right wing. His play style was reliant on his exceptional stamina, attacking mentality, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Maggio was particularly effective in a wing-back role, where his pace and tireless work rate allowed him to constantly overlap and support attacks. He was a strong crosser of the ball, often delivering dangerous deliveries into the box, and had a knack for making late runs into attacking areas to score goals himself.

He was a key figure during his time at Napoli, where he thrived in their attacking system. He spent 10 seasons in Naples and featured 308 times! He also earned 34 caps for the Italian National Team and won 2 Coppa Italia titles!

Gabriel Batistuta was legendary Argentine striker renowned for his lethal finishing, powerful shot, and all-around goal-scoring ability. Considered one of the greatest strikers of his generation, he combined technical skill with physical strength, making him a complete forward capable of scoring in various ways. Batistuta’s play style was defined by his explosive shot power, clinical finishing, and intelligent movement. He could score from almost anywhere—inside or outside the box—with either foot or his head. His ability to strike the ball with immense power, especially on the volley or from free kicks, made him a constant threat.

He was dominant in the Serie A, where he starred for Fiorentina and later won the Scudetto with Roma in this very season! His leadership, relentless mentality, and consistent goal output made him an icon for both club and country, cementing his legacy as one of Argentina’s all-time greats!

Tommaso Rocchi was an forward known for his agility, intelligence, and clinical finishing. He primarily played as a second striker or striker, excelling in attacking movements and interplay. Rocchi’s game is shaped by his sharp positioning, quick reactions, and ability to exploit spaces in the opposition’s defence. He was not the most physically imposing striker, but he compensated with excellent movement off the ball and a keen eye for goal. He was also known for his composure in one-on-one situations, often outsmarting goalkeepers with well-placed shots.

He enjoyed his best years at Lazio, where he became a club captain and a reliable goal scorer, earning a reputation as a hardworking and consistent forward in Serie A. He finished with 293 appearances for Lazio, scoring 105 times, and he won the Coppa Italia once! Furthermore, he managed 3 caps for an epic Italian National Team. A really cool rookie sticker!

Vincenzo Iaquinta was an striker known for his pace, physicality, and versatility in attack. He could also play as a second striker, or even as a wide forward. Iaquinta’s had explosive speed, a powerful shot, and the ability to make intelligent runs behind defences. His strength and athleticism allowed him to hold off defenders and play effectively with his back to goal, while his acceleration made him dangerous on the counterattack. He was a reliable finisher, capable of scoring with both feet and his head.

Iaquinta enjoyed success with Udinese, where he established himself as a top striker, earning a move to Juventus. He wasn’t the star man at Juventus, but he was a reliable player and often got on the scoresheet. He was also a key member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad, providing depth and energy to the attack!

A rookie of a World Cup winner – definitely one worth collecting!

Mauro Camoranesi was an Italian-Argentine midfielder known for his technical skill, creativity, and versatility. Primarily playing as a right midfielder or winger, he could also operate as a central playmaker or even a deeper-lying midfielder when needed. Camoranesi was an excellent dribbler, had close ball control, and the ability to open up defences. He had a natural flair for beating defenders with quick footwork and was an intelligent passer, often providing key assists. Defensively, he worked hard and was not afraid to track back, making him an effective player both ways. His tenacity and aggression sometimes led to reckless challenges, but they also made him a relentless competitor.

Camoranesi was a key figure for Juventus and is considered a club legend! He played with Juve for nearly a decade, and featuring 288 times winning multiple titles! (A few were stripped because of match fixing) Camoranesi opted to play for Italy and was capped 54 times. He was an integral part of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad, providing skill and balance on the right flank!

I think Camoranesi is a really underrated player. This is a top rookie sticker!