NATIONAL TEAM
CALCIO NEWS
TRAVEL IN CALCIO LAND
HISTORY
THE LEGEND
DEFENDERS
MIDFIELDS
FORWARDS
PLACE : ROMA (RM)
International Debut 05/10/1996 v Moldova (won 3-1)
In Alessandro Nesta, Italian supporters can find a bit of solace. Along with Paolo Maldini and Fabio Cannavaro, Nesta forms Italy's rock-solid defence. Nesta has what the other two have: FIFA World CupTM experience. The trio will be counted upon to lead Italy deep into the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan. The Lazio's defender is just 26 years old and is seen by many as the heir apparent to Maldini, as the Lazio product has continued to evolve into a world-class defender. Nesta made his debut with Lazio at the age of 17. Soon, he was part of a side that would finish in the top six it Italy's Serie A every single season. Not until 2000, though, would he celebrate a Scudetto with the Roman club. Nesta's defensive skills earned him a quick call-up to the national team. He made the trip with the Azzurri to the UEFA European Championship England 1996 but did not play a game. Soon after making his senior debut against Moldova a few months later, Nesta and Cannavaro would prove to be the best young defenders in the Italy squad, and Nesta quickly earned the respect of his comrades. ""Alessandro has won a lot over the last few years and has picked up a lot of experience very quickly,"" Cannavaro said. ""He makes very few mistakes. He's always there to help out, and he's used to winning under pressure."" Nesta's ball control is as good as many of the forwards he shuts down in Serie A. His vision when he moves the ball out of Italy's third is extraordinary. At Euro 2000, Nesta was a major part of Italy's run to the final match. Though the Italians ultimately succumbed to an outstanding France side, Nesta and the Italian defence nearly carried Italy to the title. The Azzurri's defender will have the task of stopping tough Ecuadorian, Croatian, and Mexican strikers in the group stage in Japan this summer, but if his history holds form, Nesta will come out on top. The rock at the center of the Lazio defense. Likened to Paolo Maldini for skill in possession and superb anticipation. Slotted straight back into Lazio's first team after suffering knee ligament damage in Italy's World Cup campaign. Tore cruciate ligaments in his right knee in Italy's 2-1 defeat of Austria in Paris at France '98. Local product of Lazio youth system. Made his Serie A debut in the 1994-95 season and won the "Primavera" (reserve league) title with Lazio. Made headlines when he broke Lazio team mate Paul Gascoigne's leg during a training match. Was part of Italian side that won the Under-21 European championships in 1996 against Spain at Barcelona. Received his first call-up for the Italian senior squad, after injury ruled Ciro Ferrara out of Euro 96. Developed as a junior at Lazio and has pledged his future to it until at least 2004. Voted sexiest player in Italy in a phone poll earlier this season. Tall and lean, is at his best pushing out of defense. The Rome-born player made his league debut with S.S. Lazio when just 17,and his international debut soon followed. He first grabbed the headlines when starring for Cesare Maldini?s European Under-21 Championship-winning azzurini in 1996, and he was called into the senior squad for EURO 96? following the withdrawal of Ciro Ferrara. He did not actually feature in that final round, but he was a regular in the Italian team by the end of the year. Very difficult to beat in one-on-one aerial duels, his elegant style conceals his toughness, while he is also a good passer out of defence. He suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury while playing for Italy against Austria at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, but recovered to play four EURO 2000? qualifiers. Injury-permitting, he is a certain starter for Italy at this summer?s finals. As Lazio captain, he lifted the European Cup Winners? Cup in 1999 as the Rome club won their first European honour. He is much loved by the Lazio fans who regard him as one of their own. Almost certain to partner Fabio Cannavaro in the centre of Italy's defence, Nesta has matured into one of his country's best players. A cool and stylish player for Lazio, Nesta is well known for his strong tackling.
13
TEAM : MILAN
SOCCER NEWS
PEAR'S PAGE
E-MAIL ME
ABOUT ME
Alessandro Nesta
Mark Iuliano
Marco Materazzi
Christian Panucci
Dear,Mr.Paolo Maldini