Gianluigi Buffon
The world's most expensive goalkeeper, there's no doubt Buffon is one of the safest custodians in the game. However, Buffon may have competition from Toldo, who stepped into his shoes at Euro 2000.

Paulo Maldini (Captain)
At 34, Maldini stills remains the rock of the Italian defence. He covers ground with his loping stride and dispossesses strikers with close marking and crunching tackles.

Alessandro Nesta
A brilliant central defender, Nesta hustles forwards with his positioning and control. Nesta is a vital cog in Italy's defensive line-up.

Fabio Cannavaro
Yet another exceptional central defender, Cannavaro rounds off the back line. His towering presence makes breaching Italy's defence a tall order.

Luigi Di Baggio
Influential in central midfield, Di Baggio makes an impression by initiating forays and with his ball distribution skills.

Alessandro Del Piero
Much was expected of this enterprising forward in France '98. However, Del Piero didn't live up to his top billing. He gets his chance to redeem himself in Korea and Japan.

Filippo Inzaghi
A speedy striker, Inzaghi is hot property in the Serie A. Opportunistic in the box, he is known to harry defences.

Francesco Totti
The playmaker, Totti is an inventive striker who creates openings and scores too. He is the pivot of the attacking line-up and much will depend on him if Italy is to advance in the Cup.

Christian Vieiri
A bully in the box, Vieiri scores and scores and scores. If fit, he could do the star turn for Italy.