Best 15Italyof the 1980s

The defining Italian player of the 1982 World Cup, winning the Golden Boot, Golden Ball and Ballon d'Or after scoring six goals, including a hat-trick against Brazil and the opening goal in the final.

Italy's elegant defensive leader and world-class libero, central to the 1982 triumph and still captain and organizer at the 1986 tournament.

Captained Italy to the 1982 title at age 40, delivering decisive saves and exceptional leadership in one of the greatest veteran World Cup performances.

Italy's outstanding creative winger in 1982, combining elite dribbling, acceleration and delivery throughout the victorious campaign.

Although unused at the decade's World Cups, he was a member of both squads and developed into one of the world's finest defenders and sweepers during the late 1980s.

A complete, high-intensity midfielder who drove Italy's 1982 campaign and scored the iconic second goal in the World Cup final.

One of the era's premier attacking left-backs, a 1982 champion whose pace, technique and defensive reliability remained important in 1986.

An exceptional man-marker and fierce defender whose containment of Diego Maradona and Zico was fundamental to Italy's 1982 title.

A remarkably mature defender who became a world champion at 18, excelling against Poland and West Germany before serving as a regular in 1986.

Italy's principal playmaker in 1982, providing refined passing and creativity before injury prevented him from appearing in the final.

A polished and prolific striker who scored in the 1982 final and was Italy's leading attacking figure at the 1986 World Cup.

A commanding central defender and key starter in Italy's 1982 championship defense, later returning for the 1986 tournament.

A tactically intelligent and technically accomplished midfielder who played throughout the 1986 World Cup and reached world-class club form late in the decade.

An emerging forward at the 1986 World Cup who became one of Italy's most dynamic, powerful and internationally respected attackers by the decade's end.

A tireless and versatile forward who started throughout Italy's 1982 title run, stretching defenses and complementing Paolo Rossi with relentless movement.