Who are the best German footballers to have ever played in Serie A?
Serie A has witnessed the talents of numerous exceptional players from around the world. Germany, renowned for its rich footballing history, has also contributed some remarkable individuals to Serie A.
In this article, we will explore the top five German players who have left an indelible mark on the league.
Rudi Voller
During his time in Italy, Rudi Voller earned the nickname “Il tedesco volante” or “the flying German” for his exceptional skills. Voller had a successful spell at AS Roma, where he played for five years. His contributions were pivotal to Roma’s victory in the 1991 Coppa Italia, as he scored in the final’s both legs. Voller amassed a total of 198 appearances for Roma, scoring 68 goals.
Andreas Brehme
Andreas Brehme, renowned for his ambidexterity, made a lasting impact during his time at Inter Milan. Alongside fellow German international Lothar Matthaus, Brehme played a vital role in Inter’s squad after his move from Bayern Munich in 1988. He won the Serie A and the UEFA Cup during his four-year spell at San Siro. Brehme’s success at Inter Milan solidified his reputation as one of the top German players in Serie A history.
Oliver Bierhoff
Bierhoff, known for his famous golden goal in Euro 1996, made a significant impact during his time in Serie A. The German international played for Ascoli, Udinese, and AC Milan in the Italian top flight. His breakthrough came at Udinese under the guidance of coach Alberto Zaccheroni, where he established a reputation as one of the league’s most lethal strikers. Bierhoff’s time in Serie A saw him score an impressive 102 goals in approximately 220 appearances. His performances played a crucial role in AC Milan’s Scudetto triumph in the 1998-99 season.
Helmut Haller
Helmut Haller, an influential playmaker, achieved notable success during his time in Serie A in the 1960s and 70s. After joining Bologna in 1962, Haller played a pivotal role in their Scudetto win in the 1963-64 season. He later moved to Juventus, where he claimed back-to-back Serie A titles and reached the final of the 1972-73 European Cup. Haller made a total of 295 appearances for Bologna and Juve, more than any other German player in the competition’s history.
Lothar Matthaus
Lothar Matthaus, the captain of the 1990 Germany World Cup-winning team, joined Inter Milan during a period when the club was assembling a squad of talented German players. Matthaus, like Brehme, contributed significantly to Inter’s Serie A and UEFA Cup triumphs. Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in football history, Matthaus registered 53 goals in 154 games for the Nerazzurri.