Alessandro Nesta vs Obdulio Varela
Italy against Uruguay. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Alessandro Nesta
Italy · 1993–2014 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Italy
- #6 of 33
- Caps
- 78 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- SS Lazio, AC Milan, CF Montréal
- Honours
- 2× Hall of Fame (2000–2006)
A defender of sublime grace and power, his elegant tackling and impeccable positioning made him a cornerstone for Lazio, AC Milan, and the Azzurri. Career record: 78 caps and 0 goals for Italy; club career at SS Lazio, AC Milan, CF Montréal; honours include 2× Hall of Fame (2000–2006).
Obdulio Varela
Uruguay · 1942–50 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in Uruguay
- #8 of 33
- Caps
- 45 · 9 goals
- Clubs
- Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club, Club Atlético Peñarol
After Friaça put Brazil ahead at the Maracanã on 16 July 1950, Varela tucked the ball under his arm and walked to referee George Reader to argue an offside he later admitted never existed, buying the minutes it took the stadium to fall silent. Uruguay won that final 2-1, and El Negro Jefe had already been named best player of the 1942 South American Championship, adding six Uruguayan titles with Peñarol. Career record: 45 caps and 9 goals for Uruguay; club career at Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club, Club Atlético Peñarol.
The verdict
The almanac puts Alessandro Nesta ahead by 3 rating points, 94 against 91.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.