The Premier League, a melting pot of global footballing talent, has always welcomed players from across the globe. Among the most revered have been those who brought a touch of Italian flair, tactical brilliance, and sheer passion to English pitches. From dazzling wingers to clinical strikers and midfield maestros, these Azzurri left an undeniable mark.
Unfortunately, the number of Italian players coming to the Premier League has dwindled in recent years. So we don’t get to see a lot of legendary players crossing over. Nevertheless, the players who came to England from Italy and made themselves known will never be forgotten. Let’s delve into some of the best Italian players to grace the Premier League.
Gianfranco Zola (Chelsea)
When you talk about Italian legends in the Premier League, Gianfranco Zola is often the first name that springs to mind. Arriving at Chelsea in 1996, the diminutive forward quickly captivated fans with his incredible close control, inventive passing, and a knack for scoring extraordinary goals. In 229 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, Zola netted 59 goals and provided 42 assists. It is a truly impressive return for a player who often operated deeper than a traditional striker.
He was instrumental in Chelsea’s FA Cup triumphs in 1997 and 2000. He also helped them to League Cup and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup success in 1998. He received the FWA Player of the Year in 1997 for his individual brilliance and flair. After leaving Chelsea in 2003, Zola returned to Italy to play for Cagliari before retiring in 2005.
Post-playing, he’s held various coaching roles, including spells as manager of West Ham United, Watford, and Birmingham City. But also, he worked as an assistant at Chelsea. You can see him now in a pundit role for Sky Sports.
Paolo Di Canio (Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham United, Charlton Athletic)
A player of immense talent and fiery temperament, Paolo Di Canio was never far from the headlines during his Premier League career. He arrived in England with Sheffield Wednesday in 1997. There, he scored 12 goals in 35 appearances in his first season. However, it was at West Ham United where he truly became a cult hero. Between 1999 and 2003, Di Canio bagged 47 goals in 118 Premier League games for the Hammers. He famously scored a goal against Wimbledon in 2000 that many TV stations still play in their highlights.
However, his West Ham tenure was marked by both moments of genius and controversy. But his passion and skill were undeniable. He later had a spell at Charlton Athletic, adding 4 goals in 31 appearances. After leaving England, he returned to Italy and played for Lazio before hanging up his boots. Di Canio has since ventured into management. He famously guided Swindon Town to promotion to League One. Afterwards, he has a brief stint managing Sunderland. Like so many others, he works as a football pundit at the moment.
Gianluca Vialli (Chelsea)
Gianluca Vialli arrived at Chelsea in 1996 as a genuine global superstar, a prolific striker from Juventus. He brought with him a wealth of experience and a winning mentality. He even became a player-manager at Chelsea in 1998, a ground-breaking move at the time. As a player, Vialli scored 21 goals in 58 Premier League appearances for the Blues. As player-manager, he led Chelsea to League Cup and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup glory in 1998, and the FA Cup in 2000. He became the first Italian to manage a Premier League side and win a major English trophy.
He retired from playing in 1999, continuing solely as manager until 2000. After leaving Chelsea, Vialli had a stint as manager of Watford. Sadly. Sadly, Gianluca Vialli passed away in January 2023. He left behind a legacy as a footballing icon and a much-loved figure.
Roberto Di Matteo (Chelsea)
A powerful and elegant central midfielder, Roberto Di Matteo joined Chelsea in 1996 alongside Vialli and Zola. The trio formed a formidable Italian core at Stamford Bridge. Known for his thunderous long-range shots and vital goals, Di Matteo scored 15 goals in 119 Premier League appearances for Chelsea. He famously scored in the 1997 FA Cup final after just 42 seconds. Hte did the same again in the 2000 FA Cup final. Earning the Blues a trophy on both occasions.
His playing career was cut short by injury in 2002. After retiring, Di Matteo embarked on a coaching career. He famously led Chelsea to their first-ever Champions League triumph in 2012 as interim manager. It was a fairytale ending to a challenging season.
He has also managed MK Dons, West Bromwich Albion, Schalke 04, and Aston Villa. As of early 2023, he works as a technical advisor for South Korean club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
Fabrizio Ravanelli (Middlesbrough, Derby County
Fabrizio Ravanelli, nicknamed ‘The White Feather’, made an explosive start to his Premier League career with Middlesbrough in 1996. He became famous for scoring a hat-trick on his debut against Liverpool. In his single Premier League season for Middlesbrough, he scored 16 goals in 33 appearances. While his time at Boro was short-lived, it was certainly memorable, as he played a key role in their run to both the FA Cup and League Cup finals in 1997.
He later had a brief spell with Derby County in the Premier League, scoring 9 goals in 31 appearances during the 2001-02 season. After leaving England, Ravanelli played for several Italian clubs before retiring in 2005. He has since worked as a manager for various teams and, as of July 2024, is an advisor for Olympique Marseille, a club he also played for.
