Sebastiano Nela (Italian pronunciation: [sebaˈstjaːno ˈneːla];[citation needed] born 13 March 1961) is an Italian former footballer who played as a defender, usually as an offensive-minded full-back due to his crossing ability with his left foot, as well as his speed, stamina, tenacity, physical strength, and work-rate, which enabled him to make attacking runs down the wing and track back to defend his opponents.
A versatile and hard-tackling player, he was capable of playing anywhere across the back-line, both on the left or right flanks, and even in the centre, and was even deployed as a central midfielder on occasion, a position which he had often occupied in his youth.
At international level, he represented the Italy national football team on five occasions between 1984 and 1987, and participated at the 1986 FIFA World Cup and the 1984 Olympics.
He retired after the 1993–94 season having made a total of 315 appearances in Serie A. Nela's performances for Roma earned him a call up to the Italy national team, making his debut against West Germany on 22 May 1984.
[1][13] Nela was a member of the Italian squad for the 1986 FIFA World Cup, although he did not play; Italy went out in the round of 16.