Serie A: 5 Players from the 1990s who Deserve More Credit

#4 Sinisa Mihajlovic, Lazio, 1998 – 2004

Sinisa Mihajlovic

Sinisa Mihajlovic spent most of his career in Italy and was superb whatever kit he pulled on. However, it was during his time at Lazio that he hit his best form in terms of goals and finally lifted the Serie A title in the 1999/2000 season.

The defensive hard-man operated at left-back for most of his career but was also adept at playing as a defensive-minded left-midfielder. Though not blessed with the pace or technique of some players mentioned already, Mihajlovic was untouchable on two counts: his left foot was magical, and he was an absolute master of discomposing opposition players. (Think of a Yugoslavian Luis Suarez, but a tough tackler and an even tougher guy.)

Mihajlovic is one of only two players to have ever scored a hat-trick of free-kicks in Serie A (Giuseppe “Beppe” Signori is the other player to have achieved this feat), and he is the joint record holder for most free-kicks scored in the division, a title he shares with Milan legend Andrea Pirlo. He was also incredible when it came to spreading the play from one flank to the other and more than capable of hitting Beckham-esque long balls for forwards to run on to.

Readers can cast their eyes over the video above to see just how good he was in dead-ball situations, but for even-better viewing experiences, try searching for some of his most aggressive tackles and moments of rage online — the man was intense!