GOAL selects the greatest players produced at one of the world's most famous talent factories
Serie A is one of the world's best leagues and when it comes to giants of Italian football, AC Milan are right up there among the biggest.
Indeed, the Rossoneri are perhaps the most famous Italian club worldwide, thanks to their exploits at the continental level and the selection of world-class players who have featured in their iconic stripes.
Remember, only Real Madrid (14) have won more European Cups than Milan (seven).
The Rossoneri's success has been built not only on sensational signings but also a strong academy network that has developed several greats over the years, including Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini.
Below, GOAL runs through the finest players produced by one of the game's great talent factories…
GettyFranco Baresi
One of the greatest defenders of all time, Franco Baresi was a legendary name in European football in the '80s and '90s.
A true one-club man, Baresi breathed Milan throughout his career. Interestingly, though, he only joined the Rossoneri after being rejected by city rivals Inter.
Baresi arrived a 12-year-old in 1972 and made his first-team debut at the age of 17. He went on to play at the highest level for Milan for 20 years, making 719 appearances in all competitions.
The elegant central defender helped Milan win six Serie A titles, two Serie B titles and three European Cups.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesPaolo Maldini
Legends don't come bigger than Paolo Maldini.
He was the cornerstone of AC Milan and Italy sides for so long in a distinguished career, leading them with panache and skill.
He was nicknamed (The Captain) and it's easy to understand why: he was Milan through and through, representing the club for all 25 years of his professional career.
He made 902 appearances for Milan, a club record. He also earned 126 caps for Italy in a chequered career.
Often considered the greatest left-back the game has ever seen, Maldini was an equally impressive centre-back, a role he transitioned into towards the latter part of his career.
He helped Milan win seven Serie A titles and five European Cups!
Sandro Salvadore
Sandro Salvadore might be a certified Juventus legend but he was an AC Milan youth product.
The central defender came through the Milan youth ranks before making his debut in 1958. He spent four years in Milan before moving to Turin.
He spent the rest of his career at Juventus (1962-74) and represented Italy at two World Cups.
Salvadore, though, was part of the Milan sides that won the Scudetto in 1959 and 1962.
Getty ImagesFrancesco Toldo
Francesco Toldo spent three years in Milan's youth sector but never played a game for the first team.
The goalkeeper went on to have a successful career at Fiorentina before turning out for Inter.
Toldo is considered one of Italy's best goalkeepers of the modern era and won the Serie A goalkeeper of the year award in 2000.
He also earned 28 caps for Italy and was part of the Inter team (albeit as a second-choice goalkeeper) that won five consecutive Scudetti between 2005 and 2010.
