Juventus: Ranking the five best full-backs of all time

3. Gianluca Zambrotta

Another right-back on the list, Gianluca Zambrotta was a real example of a top-notch full-back. He was always too determined to move forward and help his team in the attacking sense. And during the time of need, he was never shy of playing as a left-back or a left wing-back.

After joining Juventus from Bari in 1999, Zambrotta made around 300 appearances for the club over seven years in Turin. A goatee lover, Zambrotta picked up the nickname the “Mermaid” for spending at least one hour in front of a mirror shaping his trademark goatee while playing in the U21 level.

It was Carlo Ancelotti’s philosophy of using his full-backs with more freedom that helped Zambrotta flourish even in difficult circumstances. Despite performing consistently well, the right-back had to wait a while before lifting the Scudetto.

Being a part of an eye-catching Juventus side, Zambrotta won his first Serie A title in the 2001–02 season and his second one the next year. Later in his career, he won another Scudetto in the 2010–11 season. But this time, that was with Juve’s rival AC Milan. Other than two Serie A trophies, Zambrotta secured a Supercoppa Italiana in 2003 with Juventus.

The quest for trophy reached its fulfilment when Italy, with the Como-born full-back playing an integral part for his international side, seized the FIFA World Cup in 2006. Marcelo Lippi, who had already managed the man at Juventus, allowed Zambrotta to thrive. And he did so by scoring an important goal in the 3-0 quarter-final victory over Ukraine. Some pundits believe that Zambrotta was one of the greatest attacking full-backs to ever play for his country and Juventus.