You’re probably thinking, ‘Oh great, another ‘Top 10 Greatest Players’ list.’ But hold on just a second, because we’re not here to bore you with the same old names and stats. No, my friend. We’re here to talk about the Lazio legends – those players who left their mark on the club and made it what it is today.
Now, we know that everyone has their own opinions regarding football (or soccer, if you prefer). You may think your favorite player should be at the top of this list.
But let’s put all the biases aside for a moment and look at some of the greatest players ever to don the blue and white jersey of Lazio.
From goal scorers to defenders, midfield maestros to playmakers – these are the players who helped make Lazio one of Italy’s most successful clubs.
So sit back, relax, and take a trip down memory lane as we explore the Top 10 Greatest Lazio Players Of All Time – Lazio Legends.
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1. Giuseppe Signori
Giuseppe Signori, or “Beppe” as he is affectionately known, remains a fan favorite for his lethal finishing and unwavering loyalty to Lazio.
He joined the club 1992 from Foggia and quickly established himself as one of the most clinical finishers in Serie A.
In just three seasons with Lazio, Signori scored an incredible 117 goals in 152 appearances, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer.
Signori was not just a prolific goal-scorer but also a master of free-kicks and penalties. His technique and accuracy were second to none, making him a nightmare for opposing defenders and keepers alike.
His performances led Lazio to their first major trophy in over two decades when they won the Coppa Italia in 1998. Although he left Lazio for Bologna shortly after that triumph, his legacy at the club remains intact as one of its greatest-ever players.
2. Alessandro Nesta
Well, isn’t it just fantastic that Nesta’s skills on the pitch were so impressive that even his opponents couldn’t help but admire him? Yes, Alessandro Nesta is undoubtedly one of the greatest defenders who ever played for Lazio.
He spent ten seasons with the club and was vital to their success during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Nesta’s ability to read the game and make crucial tackles and interceptions made him a nightmare for opposing attackers.
He formed an incredible partnership with fellow legend Paolo Maldini at AC Milan later in his career, but it was at Lazio where he truly shone. Let’s take a look at some statistics that showcase just how excellent he was:
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 324 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Tackles per game | 2 |
| Interceptions per game | 1.9 |
| Clean sheets | 124 |
As you can see, Nesta played many games for Lazio and helped them keep plenty of clean sheets along the way.
His tackling and interception numbers are impressive, showing how good he was at reading the game. It’s no wonder he is considered one of Lazio’s all-time greats.
3. Silvio Piola
Interestingly, Silvio Piola holds the record for most goals scored in Serie A, with 274 goals. He played for Lazio from 1934 to 1943, and during this time, he was a crucial part of the team’s success.
Piola was an exceptional striker with an eye for goal and always sought to create chances for his teammates.
His ability to finish options made him a feared opponent by defenders.
His impressive career saw him win two league titles with Lazio and one World Cup with Italy in 1938.
Even though he left the game over fifty years ago, Piola will go down in Lazio history as a legend for all he did to help make the club as it is nowadays.
4. Paul Gascoigne
You may be surprised that Paul Gascoigne, also known as Gazza, scored 33 goals in his career with Lazio. The club paid a then-record 5.5 million to get him in 1992, and that investment paid off as he led them to the Serie A championship that year.
Despite being plagued by injuries and off-field issues, Gazza’s talent on the pitch was undeniable. His spectacular free-kick goal in the UEFA Cup final versus Parma in 1994 is still spoken about today.
His three seasons with Lazio were cut short due to personal problems, and he never returned. But his influence on Lazio is undeniable, and he will go down in history as the most of their best players.
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5. Paolo Negro
Now let me tell you about Paolo Negro, a former defender for Lazio who played for the club from 1992 to 2001.
Negro was a crucial part of Lazio’s success during the late 90s, helping the team win their first-ever Serie A title in the 1999-2000 season. He was known for his tough-tackling style and his ability to read the game well.
Negro also had an impressive international career, representing Italy at both junior and senior levels.
With over 300 appearances for Lazio, he firmly cemented himself as one of the greatest defenders in the club’s history.
Even though he has been away from playing professionally for nearly two decades, fans of Lazio hold him in the highest regard.
6. Ciro Immobile
Currently, Ciro Immobile is one of the most prolific goal-scorers in Serie A. He has won the league’s golden boot award twice in the last three seasons.
Since joining Lazio in 2016, he has been a vital player, scoring an incredible 141 goals in just 219 appearances across all competitions.
Immobile’s success at Lazio has also translated into his performances with the Italian national team. He was an integral part of Italy’s Euro 2020 campaign, scoring two goals and providing one assist as they went on to win the tournament.
With his impressive scoring record and ability to perform on big stages, it is no surprise that Immobile is considered one of Lazio’s greatest players of all time.
7. Sinisa Mihajlovic
Sinisa Mihajlovic, known for his powerful free-kicks and commanding presence on the field, played as a defender for Lazio from 1998 to 2004.
During his time at the club, he helped them win several significant titles, including the Serie A title in 2000. Mihajlovic was a solid defender and an excellent set-piece taker, scoring numerous goals from direct free-kicks.
Here are three reasons why Sinisa Mihajlovic is considered one of the greatest Lazio players of all time:
- Leadership: Mihajlovic was a true leader on and off the pitch. He captained both Lazio and the Serbian national team during his career. His leadership skills were evident in how he marshaled the defense and organized his teammates during games.
- Defensive prowess: As a central defender, Mihajlovic was dominant in the air and had excellent tackling skills. He formed a formidable partnership with Fernando Couto at the heart of Lazio’s defense, which helped them win several trophies.
- Free-kick specialist: Mihajlovic’s ability to score from direct free kicks was legendary. He scored some stunning goals from dead-ball situations, which earned him a reputation as one of the best set-piece takers in Europe at that time.
8. Pavel Nedved
You’re in for a treat as we delve into the career of the dynamic midfielder Pavel Nedved. The Czech Republic international joined Lazio in 1996 and quickly established himself as one of the best players in Serie A.
He was a key figure in the side that won the league title in 2000, scoring crucial goals and providing assists throughout the campaign.
Nedved was known for his speed, dribbling skills, and high level of technique on the court. He had an eye for goal and could score from anywhere on the pitch with his powerful shots.
His work rate was also exceptional, as he would track back to defend when required, making him a complete midfielder.
Following five championship campaigns with Lazio, he transferred to Juventus and remained the undisputed king of Italian football until his retirement in 2009.
Nedved will go down in Lazio history as an icon of Italian football and one of the club’s finest players.
Related: Top 10 Most Shocking Transfer News In Serie A Of All Time
9. Tommaso Rocchi
If you’re an Italian football fan, you may remember Tommaso Rocchi, who scored an impressive 64 goals in 198 appearances for Lazio.
The forward spent eight seasons with the club from 2004 to 2012 and was known for his clinical finishing and tireless work ethic on the pitch.
It would be impossible to exaggerate Rocchi’s importance to Lazio’s achievement during his time there.
He was instrumental in their 2009 Serie A and Coppa Italia championship seasons.
He dedicated himself relentlessly to his career, and as a result, he is now remembered as one of Lazio’s all-time greats.
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 198 |
| Goals | 64 |
| Assists | 20 |
| Yellow Cards | 24 |
| Red Cards | 1 |
Rocchi’s impact at Lazio is unquestionable, even though he is less well-known than several colleagues. Although his contributions to the squad throughout eight seasons were not as widely recognized as those of the other individuals on this list, they were nonetheless significant.
Tommaso Rocchi stands out as a player who epitomized Lazio’s work ethic and commitment to the team.
10. Juan Sebastian Veron
Juan Sebastian Veron was a midfielder who played for Lazio from 1999 to 2001 and again from 2017 to 2018.
During his time with the team, he established himself as one of their most talented players ever. With his exceptional vision and passing range, Veron could control games in the center of the pitch and create chances for his teammates.
His presence in the center of the field was critical to their 1999–2000 Serie A title. His outstanding play in the middle of the field for Lazio in just two seasons led to his signing by Manchester United.
Although he did not stay long at Old Trafford, Veron returned to Lazio later in his career and continued to impress fans with his skill on the ball.
Juan Sebastian Veron deserves a place among Lazio’s greatest legends due to his immense talent and contribution to their history as a club.
