Darmian's 5 Favourite Italians

Inside United magazine gave our Milan-born defender Matteo Darmian five picks for favourite players from his country and he served up a bagful of bona fide Italian legends…

1: PAULO MALDINI
Clubs: AC Milan (1985-2009)
Career club appearances/goals: 902/33
International caps/goals: 126/7
Darmian says: “I think he is one of the best football players of all time and I had the pleasure of playing with him, which made me realise how good he was. I remember his achievements well because he won many championships and Champions Leagues with AC Milan.”

2. ALESSANDRO NESTA
Clubs: Lazio (1993-2002), AC Milan (2002-2012), Montreal Impact (2012-2013)
Career club appearances/goals: 621/13
International caps/goals: 78/0
Darmian says: “Another one of my favourite players, who is also one of my idols and a defender, is Nesta. He had great style, he was a great defender and, like Maldini, he won a lot during his years at AC Milan. I remember a lot about him and also had the pleasure of playing together with him.”

3. ROBERTO BAGGIO
Clubs: Vicenza (1982-1985), Fiorentina (1985-1990), Juventus (1990-1995), AC Milan (1995-1997), Bologna (1997-1998), Inter Milan (1998-2000), Brescia (2000-2004).
Career club appearances/goals: 643/291
International caps/goals: 56/27
Darmian says: “Another player who was certainly very good is Roberto Baggio. He has great talent. I liked the way he played and the simplicity of his way of playing.”

4. ANDREA PIRLO
Clubs: Brescia (1995-1998), Inter Milan (1998-2001), Reggina (1999-2000, loan), Brescia (2001,loan), AC Milan (2001-2011), Juventus (2011-2015), New York City (2015-)
Career club appearances/goals: Still playing!
International caps/goals: 116/13
Darmian says: “Another of my five, who is still playing. He is a great personality, he has great playing vision and he is one of the best midfielders in the world in his position. He won a lot with AC Milan.”

5. GIANLUIGI BUFFON
Clubs: Parma (1995-2001), Juventus (2001-)
Career club appearances/goals: Still playing!
International caps/goals: 154/0
Darmian says: “The fifth is Buffon. I think he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he is still demonstrating that even now. He has won a lot both at club level and for the national team. I remember, out of all these players, that Buffon is a leader in the changing room and he won the World Cup – which is of course a great memory for all us Italians!”