We take a look at Italy's leading frontmen
We take a look at Italy's greatest strikers.
Alessandro Altobelli
Slender striker Altobelli was a clinical forward back in his heyday. He enjoyed a marvellous World Cup goals return, scoring five times in as many appearances. He was used as a substitute in the 1982 World Cup final and struck in his side's 3-1 win over the Germans. Altobelli played more regularly four years later, and he netted against Bulgaria, Argentina, and a brace versus Korea Republic.
Silvio Piola
Superb striker Piola is a true Italian footballing legend. He scored 30 times during his 34 caps for his nation, while it is suggested he is the inventor of the 'bicycle kick'. Piola was one of Italy's star performers at their triumphant World Cup 1938 campaign as he scored five times in four matches. And he notched himself in Italian folklore when he bagged a brace in the final victory over Hungary in Paris.
Luigi Riva
Riva was the epitome of a clinical striker. He boasted wonderful heading, a sweet left foot and such admirable composure in front of goal. Indeed, he scored 35 times for his nation in 42 caps. He shone brightly at the 1970 World Cup as he finished as his nation's top goalscorer, with the third of his three strikes propelling Italy to the final, which they lost against Brazil.
Gianni Rivera
Ballon d'Or winner Rivera played at four successive World Cup finals, starting in 1962. He was again called upon four years later but failed to open his goalscoring account on the grandest of stages. In 1970, however, Rivera netted a crucial goal in the thrilling 4-3 semi-final win over the Germans. He featured twice at the 1974 competition adding another World Cup goal to his tally in the 3-1 success against Haiti.
Paolo Rossi
Sensational attacker Rossi first appeared on the world stage in 1978, but his country failed to progress past the second round despite Rossi impressing with three goals and four assists to his name. Nonetheless, the 1982 tournament was to be Rossi's year, as he returned from a ban in time for the competition. And he performed spectacularly, grabbing the Golden Boot - he scored six goals including a strike in the final - and Golden Ball for his displays as he fired the Azzurri to glory.
Angelo Schiavio
Schiavio's goals helped Italy get their hands on their first World Cup trophy. The powerful frontman scored a remarkable hat-trick in Italy's preliminary round meeting with the USA as they won 7-1. Thereafter, he did not find the back of the net again until the final as Italy saw off Czechoslovakia to claim football's ultimate prize.
Salvatore Schillaci
Schillaci emerged as an Italian hero after he landed the Golden Boot at the 1990 World Cup. The attacker opened the scoring against Czechoslovakia to set his side on their way to a 2-0 win. Then in the last-16 clash with Uruguay he was again on target. Schillaci then scored the only goal of the game versus Republic of Ireland to send the Azzurri into the last four. And against Argentina in the semi-finals, Schillaci struck but the game went to extra-time after the South Americans equalised before Italy were dumped out on penalties. Nonetheless, the striker sealed the Golden Boot when he scored in the third-placed play-off win against England.
Christian Vieri
Vieri is Italy's joint-leading World Cup goalscorer. Indeed, the powerful frontman managed an impressive return of nine goals from as many appearances on the world stage. He netted in his first World Cup match, at the 1998 tournament, as Italy drew 2-2 with Chile. Then came a brace against Cameroon and a strike versus Austria as Italy reached the next phase. And his 18th minute goal against Norway was enough to set up a meeting with France, who beat the Azzurri on penalties. Four years later, Vieri fired home another brace, this time against Ecuador. And he further added to his overall tally by scoring against Croatia and South Korea, who defeated Italy at the last-16 stage.
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