ISLW

Bio

Alessandro Nesta is considered to be one of the best centre backs of his time. The legend played in the Italian backline at the side of Fabio Cannavaro and Paolo Maldini forming one of the best defences the world has ever seen. Nesta has represented Italy starting from the World Cup 1998 to winning it in 2006. He also turned out for Italy at the 2002 World Cup among Euro Championships in 2000, 2004 and 2008. His game sense, aerial strength, physical presence combined with the technical skills and unusual speed, playing as a centre back make Nesta one of the most talented defenders ever.

Nesta began his career at the youth academy Lazio and earned a place in the starting line-up of the first team in 1994, making his debut in the Serie A against Udinese. He stayed at the club till 2002 and even captained the side in 1998 winning a couple of trophies. During his time at Lazio he won the Serie A in 2000; the Supercoppa Italia in 1998,2000; UEFA Cup Winners Cup 1998–99 and the UEFA Super Cup in 1999.

In 2002 he made a move to Milan and forming one of the most feared defensive partnerships with Maldini, Cafu, Costacurta and Stam. He won the UEFA Champions League in his first season at the club and was awarded fourth Serie A Defender of the Year award title, previously winning 3 at Lazio. Nesta stayed at Milan for 10 seasons making 224 appearances and scoring 7 times. He won the Serie A in 2004, 2011; the Coppa Italia in 2003; the Supercoppa Italia in 200, 2011; UEFA Champions League in 2003,2007; the UEFA Super Cup in 2003,2007 and the FIFA Club WC in 2007.

In 2004 he was named as one of the Top 125 greatest living footballers as part of FIFA's 100th anniversary celebration.