The 12 Best British Players in Serie A History
- Think Football Ideas
- 7 hours ago
- 5 min read
Britain's Greatest Italian Exports
When you think of Italy and football, the first things that'll probably pop into your head are world-class players, fiery fans, and legendary clubs. But what if I told you that some of Britain’s top footballers didn’t just play in Serie A, they completely shaped it?
From the packed stadiums in Turin to the lively streets of Rome, these British players didn’t just survive in Italy; they thrived. The stories of the finest British exports to Italy are not just about making an impact, they’re about footballers becoming icons.
Here Are The 12 Best British Players in Serie A History
12. Joe Jordan – AC Milan (1981-1983), Hellas Verona (1983-1985)
Known as "Lo Squalo" (The Shark), Joe Jordan made a name for himself at both AC Milan and Hellas Verona. His powerful, hard-working style endeared him to the passionate Italian fans, who loved his grit and ability to score crucial goals.
Jordan might not have been the most technically gifted, but his hustle and heart made him a fan favourite, leaving a legacy of passion and hard work in Italian football.
11. Paul Ince – Inter Milan (1995-1997)
Known for his leadership and drive, Paul Ince was the midfield enforcer Inter Milan needed in the 90s. His no-nonsense style of play earned him the respect of Italian fans, who admired his ability to control the tempo of matches.
Ince wasn’t just a British player in Italy—he was a vital cog in one of Serie A’s most competitive teams during his time at Inter Milan.
10. Scott McTominay – Napoli (2024-Present)
Scott McTominay’s move to Serie A has been transformative, with the Scottish midfielder making waves at Napoli. In his first season, McTominay has become a pivotal player for Gli Azzurri and crucial in their title push alongside manager Antonio Conte.
His ten goals this season have earned him a place in history, tying Denis Law’s long-standing record as the highest-scoring Scot in Italian football. The 26-year-old’s versatility, work rate, and impressive midfield presence have been key factors in Napoli’s rise to the top, with the club now in a fierce battle for the title with Inter Milan.
9. Ray Wilkins – AC Milan (1984-1987)
Ray Wilkins was one of the most technically gifted British players to ever grace Serie A. His time at AC Milan was marked by calmness and creativity—he was the player who controlled the tempo of matches and pulled the strings from midfield.
Milan fans fondly remember Wilkins for his elegance on the ball, proving that British players could shine in a league renowned for its tactical complexity.
8. Mark Hateley – AC Milan (1984-1987)
Mark Hateley was the kind of striker Serie A wasn’t used to seeing—powerful, dominant, and unafraid to mix it up. His time at AC Milan in the 80s saw him lead the line with strength, finesse, and aerial prowess.
Hateley showed that even in Italy, a league known for its finesse, British players could still make an impact with their physicality and determination.
7. Graeme Souness – Sampdoria (1984-1986)
If any player embodied British grit, it was Graeme Souness. When he joined Sampdoria in 1984, he introduced Italy to a new breed of midfield general. Known for his tough tackling, leadership, and no-nonsense attitude, Souness quickly became a key figure for Sampdoria.
His time in Italy showed that British players could dominate with more than just skill—they could bring toughness and tenacity to the pitch.
6. Trevor Francis – Sampdoria (1982-1986), Atalanta (1986-1987)
The first Englishman to command a million-pound transfer fee, Trevor Francis made a splash when he moved to Sampdoria in 1982. His flair, technical ability, and commitment were exactly what Italian fans loved.
He helped Sampdoria stay competitive at the top of Serie A and later moved to Atalanta, where his adaptability continued to shine. Though not always in the spotlight, Francis was an important part of Italy’s footballing landscape in the 80s.
5. Denis Law – Torino (1961-1962)
Though Denis Law is best remembered for his exploits with Manchester United, his brief time at Torino is a significant chapter in the story of British players in Serie A. Law’s class, elegance, and goal-scoring ability made him an instant hit with Torino fans.
Even though his stay was short, his performances left a lasting impression in Italy, where he became the highest-scoring Scotsman - although McTominay is set to break that record.
4. Jimmy Greaves – AC Milan (1961)
Though his stint at AC Milan was brief, Jimmy Greaves made a big impression. One of England’s greatest goal-scorers, Greaves joined Milan in 1961 with high expectations.
Though he didn’t get as much game time as he deserved, his clinical finishing was still on display. Milan fans still talk about his brief time there as a glimpse of genius. Greaves’ stay may have been short, but it left a lasting mark.
3. Paul Gascoigne – Lazio (1992-1995)
There was no one quite like Paul Gascoigne in Serie A. When Gazza arrived at Lazio in 1992, Italy was introduced to a footballing maverick. Known for his dazzling skills and unpredictable genius, Gascoigne didn’t just play football—he became football.
Though injuries slowed him down, he still produced moments of magic, like that cheeky free-kick against AC Milan that still gets talked about. Gascoigne might not have achieved his full potential, but he showed Italy exactly what raw British talent could look like.
2. David Platt – Bari (1991-92), Juventus (1992-93), Sampdoria (1993-1995)
When David Platt made the move from England to Italy in the early 90s, it wasn’t just a transfer—it was a statement. His time in Serie A turned heads. First at Bari, and later with Juventus and Sampdoria, Platt proved that British players could shine in Italy’s toughest league.
His vision, passing, and goal-scoring ability earned him the admiration of Italian fans, especially in Genoa, where he helped Sampdoria compete with the best. Platt wasn’t just another British player in Italy—he was an integral part of the league’s most exciting seasons.
1. John Charles – Juventus (1957-1962)
If there’s one player who truly made Italy his home, it’s John Charles. The “Gentle Giant” wasn’t just a footballer—he was a force of nature. When Charles signed with Juventus in 1957, Italy had never seen anything like him.
At 6’2”, he combined strength, grace, and finishing ability that made him a legend in Turin. In just five seasons, he scored 93 goals in 155 appearances, becoming one of Juve’s all-time greats. Even now, fans speak of him with reverence, and his legacy still looms large in Italian football.
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