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 Paolo Maldini
 Paolo Maldini Italy | Defender Achievements: World Cup 3rd 1990; 2nd 1994 Maldini is one of the most talented and perceptive defenders in modern football with a career spanning almost two decades at the top He made his debut for Italy in 1988, going on to become the Azzurri's most capped player and a veteran of three World Cups. In a club career spent entirely with AC Milan, Maldini has won four European Cups and seven Italian titles. Yet his impressive international career has been characterized by bad luck in World Cups and other major competitions. In 1990, Italy were on home soil and playing the best football in the competition until they ran into the cynical Argentines in the semifinals and crashed out on penalties. Four years later Maldini deputized impressively for the injured Franco Baresi at sweeper for most of the competition as Italy recovered from a surprise defeat by the Irish in their opening game to reach the final. Returning to his favored position on the left, Maldini helped Italy's defense keep Romario and Bebeto at bay for 120 minutes, only to again suffer heartbreak in the shootout. In 1998, it was penalties again, though this time in the quarterfinals against France, the home side and eventual champions. Italy seemed set for revenge against the world champions at Euro 2000 as they led 1-1 into the dying seconds of the final. But Maldini was to be denied an international title yet again as France grabbed a late equalizer to set up a dramatic win in extra time. 
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