Top 10 most expensive Italian footballers in history

Italian football has witnessed some record-breaking transfers over the years

Italian football has witnessed some record-breaking transfers over the years, showcasing the potential of the Italian players. These transfers not only highlight the value placed on Italian talent but also reflect the competitive nature of the Italians.

European top clubs have splashed out significant sums to secure the services of the most capable players. As clubs continue to invest heavily in Italian footballers, the pressure mounts on these players to live up to their price tags and deliver outstanding performances for their respective teams.

Tonali's transfer has shocked the footballing world, we will look at the top 10 most expensive Italian footballers in history:

10. Gianluca Scamacca- 2022-23: €36m

The 24-year-old agreed to €36m deal from West Ham, and the striker from Sassuolo scored 16 goals in 36 Serie A appearances in the 201-22 season. The striker didn't get enough playing time and in the 16 matches that he appeared in the Premier League, he scored 3 goals and due to his less playing time, Roma has shown interest in the Italian and are looking to sign the striker this summer.

9. Filippo Inzaghi- 2001-02: €36.2m

One of the greatest poaching strikers of all time, Filippo Inzaghi attained legendary status with both Juventus and Milan, winning two Champions League titles and three Serie A trophies. The Italian striker joined Milan from Juventus in 2001 for €36.2m and went on to make over 200 appearances for the club, scoring more than 70 goals and coming up with numerous important assists to lead his team to domestic and continental glory.

8. Mattia Caldara- 2018-19: €37.7m

Part of a cash-plus-player exchange deal including Leonardo Bonucci with Juventus, Caldara signed for Milan on a five-year deal for €37.7m in 2018. However, due to injuries and a lack of confidence, he didn't make a single appearance for the club in two years. Since then he has been on the move, he was loaned to Atlanta in 2020, Venezia in 2021, and Spezia in 2022.

7. Federico Bernardeschi- 2017-18: €40m

Juventus confirmed the signing of Federico Bernardeschi on a 5-year contract in 2017, he was signed for €40m and proved to be an important part of the club. He was the main man in the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, he earned a penalty which was converted by Ronaldo, he completed his hattrick and made one of the best comebacks in Juventus's history.

6. Leonardo Bonucci- 2017-18: €42m

Leonardo Bonucci's journey to the top of Italian football started at Inter, but the defender made just one appearance in his four years there. He joined Juventus in 2010, Bonucci formed an incredible defensive partnership with Giorgio Chiellini until 2017 when Milan came calling, agreeing to sign him for €42m on a five-year deal, the Euro 2020 winning defender could only survive one season at Milan and re-joined Juventus in 2018.

5. Federico Chiesa- 2022-23: €42.5m

The Bianconeri signed the Italy international outright following his successful two-year loan spell with the club, he was signed for €42.5m, he initially joined Juve on loan from Fiorentina. Chiesa scored 18 goals in his first 61 appearances in all competitions for Juve, also recording 14 assists. The Italy international has helped the club win two trophies so far, including 2021-22 season's Coppa Italia title.

4. Christian Vieri- 1999-00: €46.5m

Inter broke the transfer record in 1999 to sign Christian Vieri for €46.5m, making him the most-expensive footballer in the world at that time. He formed a dream attacking partnership with Brazil's great Ronaldo, but because both the players were injury prone, they couldn't play together more often. He scored 100 goals for the club and left Milan after just spending 5 years with the Italian giants.

3. Gianluigi Buffon- 2001-02: €52.9m

One of the greatest players in Juventus history, Buffon became the most expensive goalkeeper in the world when the Turin based club paid €52.9m for his signing in 2001. He enjoyed a great career at Juventus, the iconic shot stopper left Juventus for his boyhood club Parma in 2021, where he aims to end his career, what has been an extraordinary goalkeeping career.

2. Jorginho- 2018-19: €57m

Chelsea have completed the signing of Italy international Jorginho from Napoli, he was signed for €57m, this made him the most expensive Italian of all time. His time at Chelsea included domestic trophies and winning the Champions League with the club. In 2022, he made a switch to Arsenal and has been a part of Arteta's plan. The midfielder is one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe and will become an important member of the playing squad.

1. Sandro Tonali- 2023-24: €70m

Newcastle United have signed Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali from AC Milan on a five-year contract until 2028, the Premier League club has been on a rebuild phase after qualifying for the Champions League. Tonali is one of the best youngster in the world right now, he helped Milan win their first Serie A title after 11 years in the 2021-22 season.