Santacroce Is The ‘New Maldini’

Former Juventus and Torino hardman Pasquale Bruno has exclusively told Goal.com that he believes Napoli's Fabiano Santacroce will become one of Italy’s greatest ever defenders, and is in the same category as Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta.

19 Nov 2008 13:43:08

Highly rated Napoli defender Fabiano Santacroce in action for the Partenopei

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Bruno was one of Serie A’s most feared defenders during the 1980s and early 90s due to his uncompromising style which saw him nicknamed ‘The Animal’.

The ex-stopper has never been one to hold back an opinion, and he has exclusively told Goal.com just what he thinks of Napoli star Santacroce.

The 22-year-old has been a revelation since signing for the Partenopei in January, and already some of the biggest clubs in Italy, Spain and England are said to be eyeing him up, including Milan and Barcelona.

"Santacroce is a player who can play in any league, including the Premier League,” Bruno stated.

“I worship him. He is ‘The Animal’ of the new millennium.

“I would put him in the strongest defence of our country’s football, alongside Cannavaro, Nesta and Maldini. Without doubt.”

Santacroce shone against Maldini's Milan only a few weeks ago, receiving glowing praise in the media following Napoli's 1-0 defeat at San Siro.

Paolo Galia