'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Defenders:
Right-back: Lilian Thuram (2001-2006)
Unarguably France's best right-back of all-time, Lilian Thuram was one beast of a player - an extremely physical and dominant player on the pitch, known for his strength and outstanding physical, as well as his pace and stamina. In addition to this, he was very tactically, and technically elegant, and frequently ran up and down the flank.
Using his wide variety of skills, Thuram played a pivotal role in Juventus' Serie A win in both 2002 and 2003. Additionally, The Philosopher had stellar performances in the Old Lady's 2002-03 Champions League campaign, taking them to the final, where they eventually lost. He managed over 200 appearances with the club up till his departure in 2006.
Alternative: Gianluca Zambrotta (1999-2006)
Right Centre-back: Ciro Ferrara (1994-2005)
Ryan Giggs referred to Ciro Ferrara as "one of the toughest defenders [he's] ever played against", an understandable claim if you've seen him play. A very elegant yet aggressive defender, Ferrara is well-remembered for his composure, athleticism, tackling prowess, technical skills, and ability on the ball (and air).
However, he is probably best remembered for scoring the first goal in Juventus' penalty shootout win in the 1996 Champions League final.
Considered one of the best centre-backs of his generation, the former Italy captain was a regular starter for Juventus from 1994 until 2005, when a plague of injuries cut his career short.
Alternative: Claudio Gentile (1973-1984)
Left Centre-back: Gaetano Scirea (1974-1988)
Arguably the greatest "libero", or sweeper as we call it today, Gaetano Scirea was an impenetrable wall at his prime, and the linchpin of Giovanni Trapattoni's remarkable team of the late 70s to early 80s. Tactically and technically intelligent, Scirea was an amazing blend of offensive and defensive skills; he was everything you'd want in a centre-back.
In addition to this, he was the undisputed leader in every team he played, being an emotionally disciplined, calm, and mentally strong presence for both Juventus and the Italian national team.
Winning 7 Serie A titles, a Champions League, and a FIFA World Cup, he won everything with both club and country, before he suddenly died from a car crash at 36.
Alternative: Giorgio Chiellini (2005-)
Left-back: Antonio Cabrini (1976-1989)
Antonio Cabrini might be best known for missing a penalty in the 1982 World Cup final against West Germany, but this is unfair, as he is, without doubt, the best left-back in Italian history. He was very consistent and played almost 300 games in his 13 years playing in Turin.
With Juventus, Cabrini was instrumental in winning the European Cup, the modern equivalent to the UEFA Champions League, in 1985. Cabrini's attacking attributes: his eye for goal, superb dribbling, and accurate crosses enabled him to redefine the fullback position, being one of the first players to introduce an attacking dimension to the position.
Cabrini was a huge asset to both Juventus and Italy's defence, and his skill considerably helped both teams win 6 Serie A titles and the 1982 FIFA World Cup respectively.
Alternative: Fabio Grosso (2008-2012)
