Defense Genius: Paolo Maldini's most legendary interventions

Italy has inspired players for the art of defence over the years, and many have admitted to it as idols.

The 51-year-old was dubbed Il Capitano, while playing soccer for 26 years and only for Milan.

Maldini has held 902 matches -- 126 for Italy's national -- has won 26 trophies in 25 seasons played.

Italian is among the 18 players who have managed to make over a thousand performances, until it has won five Champions Leagues, seven Serie A, a Italian Cup, five Italian Supercups, five European Cups and FIFA International Trophy for clubs.

In 2007, Maldini became the oldest player with 37 years to raise the Champions League trophy with Milan.

Italian had become a nightmare for attackers worldwide until Franzo Baresi had gone to 58 games without losses from 1991 to 1992.

The duo played together in 196 matches, accepting only 23 goals, which amounted to 8.5 goals per match.