Over the years, we’ve seen some utterly sensational football take place over in Italy. The 90s in Serie A was pretty much the peak of the game, and two huge factors in making it so successful were rivals Inter and AC Milan.
There isn’t too much these sides haven’t accomplished, and it’s no surprise they’ve have some phenomenal players over the years. Whether you read through this list and cry with joy or cry with sheer envy, it’s certainly going to open your eyes.
GK: Walter Zenga (Inter Milan)
Whilst he may be a crazy manager these days, way back when Walter Zenga was one of the greatest Italian goalkeepers of all time. Over 450 appearances in 12 years speaks for itself, and he's an absolute icon to Inter fans even now in the present day. Image Source: Twitter
RB: Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan)
A literal brick wall and there's no other way to put it. Javier Zanetti was the first name on the teamsheet and was feared by all. If you cut him open he'd bleed blue and black, and the Argentine was one of the most consistent performers of all-time. Image Source: Twitter
CB: Paolo Maldini (AC Milan)
A god amongst us mere mortals. Maldini played like a legend, looked like a supervillain and remained ever loyal to his beloved AC Milan. Image Source: Twitter
CB: Franco Baresi (AC Milan)
Franco Baresi was named as the club's player of the century, and even that is an understatement. Twenty years of Franco's life went into the club and in over 600 appearances he never failed to shine. Image Source: Twitter
LB: Giacinto Facchetti (Inter Milan)
One of the greatest full-backs in the history of football is also one of Inter's most treasured sons. He helped define what it meant to pull on the famous blue and black strip, and that is quite a legacy to have. Image Source: Twitter
CM: Clarence Seedorf (AC Milan)
What a man. The Dutch superhero known as Clarence Seedorf brought style, efficiency and class to the San Siro during his decade at the club. Nobody could quite imagine the impact he would have and the now-40-year-old was by far one of the most influential midfielders of his generation. Image Source: Twitter
CM: Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan)
Some say he's the most fantastic human being to ever walk the earth. Others say his beard is made from the tears of Greek gods. Image Source: Twitter
CAM: Ruud Gullit (AC Milan)
Tall, strong and powerful. No, it's not a catwalk model, it's Ruud 'the geezer' Gullit. The attacking-midfielder was able to transition between a number of positions, and his high work-rate make the guy one of the most underrated players in the last few decades. Image Source: Twitter
RW: Gunnar Nordahl (AC Milan)
Another forward who could transition from position to position, Gunnar Nordahl had overwhelming success at Milan and is widely regarded as one of their greatest foreign players ever. Image Source: Twitter
LW: Gianni Rivera (AC Milan)
Taking a trip back to the old school, Gianni Rivera is one of the greatest Italian footballers of all time. A big statement for a huge, huge influence on the game over there. Whether it was as a phenomenal playmaker or someone who could construct delightful assists, there was seemingly nothing he couldn't do. Sensational. Image Source: Twitter
ST: Ronaldo (Inter Milan)
An absolute legend of the game and whilst he did play for AC too, it was during his Inter Milan tenure that Ronaldo was really in his prime. Anyone who saw the Brazilian play will consider it an honour that they were able to witness such a legend performing with such unbelievable talent. Image Source: Twitter
Bench: Cafu
Tough for the No. 1 ever full-back to not get into the starting XI. Image Source: Twitter
Bench: Jürgen Klinsmann
Yes that is the former USA manager. Not a bad player to come off the bench if you're 1-0 down. Image Source: Twitter
Bench: Kaka
Why did the Brazilian leave the Italian giants, why?! Image Source: Twitter
Bench: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Still adored by both sets of fans. Impressive. Source: Image Twitter
Bench: Marco van Basten
One of the greatest footballing shames, we were robbed early of a true hero. Image Source: Twitter
Bench: Samuel Eto’o
Absolutely unplayable on his day. Image Source: Twitter
Bench: Ronaldinho
Course we couldn't leave him out. Image Source: Twitter
SEE ALSO: AC Milan are heading to Major League Soccer
The San Siro will forever be the spiritual and physical home of these two European giants, but their story goes beyond one stadium. AC Milan and Inter Milan represent what every club should strive to be, and their history speaks for itself. True masters of the game.
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