The Top 10 – Panini Calciatori 2001-2002

Emiliano Moretti was a defender known for his consistency, tactical intelligence, and versatility. Moretti played as a centerback but could also play well at leftback. He had strong defensive positioning, good discipline, and an ability to read the game. He was not the most physically imposing or the fastest player, but he compensated with smart decision-making and solid marking. He was dependable in one-on-one situations and rarely made mistakes. Moretti contributed with accurate crosses and overlapping runs when playing as a full-back, though his primary focus was always on maintaining defensive solidity.

Moretti won the Serie A with Juventus in the 2002/03 season but was a bit-part player. He made his name at Valencia where he won the La Liga title and the UEFA Cup in 2004! In 2009, he transferred to Genoa where he spent 4 seasons before moving onto Torino. He was a regular starter at Torino for 6 seasons before retiring. Additionally, he won 1 cap for the Italian National Team.

A very solid career and a nice rookie to start us off!

Federico Balzaretti was left fullback/wingback known for his stamina, attacking runs. He combined solid defensive attributes with the ability to contribute in the attacking phase, making him ideal for a for teams operating with a back 3. Balzaretti had pace and work rate, allowing him to overlap effectively on the left flank. He was comfortable carrying the ball forward, delivering accurate crosses. His energy allowed him to cover a lot of ground, making him a key asset in both defensive and attacking transitions.

He played for clubs like Torino, Palermo, and Roma, earning a reputation as a dependable left-back. His performances also earned him a spot in Italy’s squad for Euro 2012, where he played a key role in their run to the final.

Nicola Legrottaglie was an imposing centerback known for his aerial ability, defensive awareness, and leadership. He was a physically strong and intelligent defender who excelled in marking opponents and winning duels, particularly in the air. Legrottaglie had solid positioning and the ability to read the game. While not the fastest defender, he compensated with good anticipation and disciplined defending. His height and strength made him dominant in aerial battles.

He had a career that saw ups and downs, but he enjoyed his best years at Juventus, where he won the Serie A title in 2005 – which was later revoked. He also played for clubs like Chievo, Modena, Siena, Bologna, Catania, and AC Milan and earned several caps for the Italian national team. He managed to re-earn a Serie A title with AC Milan in the 2010/11 season, but it should be noted he only featured once! But a medal is a medal!

Probably a player who didn’t fulfil the expectations he had on him, but had a good career nonetheless! A nice rookie I think. It should be noted, he has an earlier card which would be considered his true rookie.

Cristian Zaccardo was a centerback known for his versatility, defensive solidity, and tactical intelligence. He could also operate as a fullback and sometimes in midfield! Zaccardo was a physically strong and fit player making him an effective defender. He was a reliable defender, excelling in one-on-one duels and reading the game well to intercept passes. His ability in the air made him effective in both defensive and attacking set-piece situations.

Cristian played his best football with Palermo from 2004-2008. He earned a move to Wolfsburg in 2008, won the title that year and moved back to Italy in 2009 with Parma. After a few good seasons, he transferred to AC Milan, where he was just a backup option and his career quickly began to decline.

Zaccardo was a menber of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad, featuring a few times in a very strong defence! He finished his career with 17 caps.

Alessandro Gamberini was a centerback known for his solid defensive positioning, aerial ability, and leadership. He was a physically strong and intelligent defender who excelled in reading the game and leading the defence into battle! Gamberini was reliabile in one-on-one situations and was effective when marking. He was dominant in the air, complemented with good anticipation and tactical awareness, allowing him to intercept passes and crosses. he was a no-nonsense defender, focusing on keeping things simple rather than taking unnecessary risks.

His best years came at Fiorentina, where he played from 2005 to 2012. He was their leader in defence in what was a good period for Fiorentina. He later played for Napoli, Genoa, and Chievo. He also earned a few caps for the Italian national team, though he faced stiff competition in a generation of strong Italian defenders!

Vincenzo “Vince” Grella was an Australian defensive midfielder known for his tough tackling, composure on the ball, and ability to break up the opposition play. He played primarily as a deep-lying midfielder, focusing on shielding the defence and maintaining possession.

Grella was tactically intelligent and had reliable passing. He was excellent at reading the game, making timely interceptions, and disrupting the opposition’s play. While not a flashy player, he was reliable in distributing the ball as a transition player. His calmness under pressure made him an effective presence in midfield.

He had a successful club career, particularly in Serie A, where he played for Empoli, Parma, and Torino, and he was a key figure for the Australian National Team, featuring in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups forming a partnership with Mark Bresciano in midfield. Incredibly they share this sticker from their time at Empoli! He finished his career with 46 Australian caps.

A super sticker featuring two Australian football legends!

Giuseppe Mascara was a forward known for his creativity, technical skill, and ability to score spectacular goals. He was a versatile attacker who could play as a second striker, attacking midfielder, or even as a winger. Mascara was an exciting player with flair, vision, and the ability to score from distance. He was particularly known for scoring stunning goals from distance, often attempting audacious strikes from outside the box!

Mascara has a long catalogue of teams he played for, but without a doubt, his best football came at Catania, where he is a club legend! He spent 7 seasons at the club scoring over 50 goals – with many being screamers! After Catania, he had spells at Napoli, Novara, Pescara and Al-Nasr. His unpredictable style and ability to produce moments of brilliance made him an exciting player to watch and one for “The Streets Won’t Forget”!

A really cool rookie sticker for the collection!

Amauri was a Brazilian-born Italian striker known for his physicality, aerial ability, and powerful finishing. He was a classic target man, excelling in hold-up play and providing a strong presence in the opposition’s box. He was also capable of playing second striker. Amauri’s style would best be described as a mix between a target man and a poacher. He was a dominant figure in aerial duels, often scoring with powerful headers and using his size to outmuscle defenders. Despite his physical attributes, he also had decent technical ability, allowing him to link up well with teammates.

His best years came with Palermo and Juventus, where he was a key goal-scoring option. He also had stints at Chievo, Parma, Fiorentina, and Torino, and earned a few caps for the Italian National Team after obtaining citizenship. Amauri had a solid Serie A career, registering over 100 goals for various clubs.

Mirko Vucinic/Vučinić was a Montenegrin forward known for his technical ability, flair, and creativity. He was a versatile attacker who could play as a 9, second striker, or even as a winger, making him a dynamic presence in the final third. He is in the conversation for the greatest ever Montenegrin players, in my opinion, just behind Dejan Savićević!

Vucinic’s game was shaped by his excellent dribbling, close ball control, and composure in front of goal. He had a natural ability to take on defenders, using his quick feet and unpredictability to cause defenders nightmares! He was also known for his powerful and precise finishing, capable of scoring from distance as well as inside the box.

Despite his tall frame, he was agile and elegant on the ball, often producing moments of brilliance with his technique and vision. He was also a clutch performer, frequently scoring important goals! His best years came with Lecce, Roma, and Juventus, where he won 3 Serie A titles and 2 Coppa Italia titles! He was also the key player and captain for the Montenegro National Team, winning the Montenegrin Player of the Year 7 times!

Fabio Grosso was an Italian leftback known for his legendary moments during the 2006 World Cup! He played a key role in both defence and attack, making him a well-rounded full-back with a knack for stepping up in big games! Grosso possessed excellent crossing, intelligent movement, and a wand of a left foot! He was not the fastest or most physically dominant defender, but he made up for it with his tactical awareness, and technique on the ball.

As mentioned, he is best remembered for his heroic performances in Italy’s 2006 World Cup winning campaign, where he scored the dramatic extra-time goal against Germany in the semifinals and scoring the winning penalty in the final against France! At the club level, he played for Palermo, Inter, Lyon, and Juventus, enjoying success in both Serie A and Ligue 1, winning both titles once.

In truth, Grosso was never one of the world’s best players and was never considered a world-class player. He was a solid defender with a magical left foot. Nonetheless, his performances during the 2006 World Cup will forever cement himself as a legend in Italy, and I think he is well deserving on the number 1 spot!

See his legendary goal in the semifinal against Germany!