Italy squad
Goalkeepers
Marco AMELIA
02.04.82
Livorno
6 caps (0 goals)
Still No 2 keeper despite a difficult season with relegation battlers Livorno. One of only two players in the World Cup squad in Germany not to play.
Gianluigi BUFFON
28.01.78
Juventus
81 caps (0 goals)
A key figure at the World Cup and remains an inspirational figure for the defence. In excellent form all season with Juventus and many still rate him the best in the world.
Morgan DE SANCTIS
26.03.77
Sevilla (Spa)
2 caps (0 goals)
One of three potential third-choice keepers who are reserves with their clubs – the others are Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea) and Francesco Toldo (Inter). So Donadoni may take just two keepers to the finals.
Defenders
Andrea BARZAGLI
08.05.81
Palermo
21 caps (0 goals)
Little-used member of the Germany 2006 squad but a thoroughly reliable reserve. Played well in last autumn’s key qualifiers when covering for the injured Cannavaro and Materazzi.
Giorgio CHIELLINI
14.08.84
Juventus
9 caps (1 goal)
Big, battling defender who is sometimes a little “agricultural” but always fully committed. Can play at left-back or in central defence. Has had an excellent season with Juventus.
Alessandro GAMERBINI
28.08.81
Fiorentina
2 caps (0 goal)
He was not included in the original Italian squad for Euro 2008 but was called up after Fabio Cannavaro tore ankle ligaments in training on 2 June.
Fabio GROSSO
28.11.77
Lyon (Fra)
30 caps (3 goals)
Left-back who has a habit of scoring important goals, including the winning penalty in the World Cup Final shoot-out. Solid, pacy and a good crosser.
Marco MATERAZZI
19.08.73
Internazionale
40 caps (2 goals)
At the World Cup, “Matrix” surprised many by brilliantly replacing the injured Alessandro Nesta and became an iconic figure after his infamous clash with Zinedine Zidane in the Final.
Christian PANUCCI
12.04.73
Roma
52 caps (3 goals)
The tough, experienced right-back crowned his return to the team last autumn, after three years away, by scoring the winner in the decisive qualifier in Scotland. Can also play in central defence.
Gianluca ZAMBROTTA
19.02.77
Barcelona (Spa)
70 caps (2 goals)
Automatic first-choice left-back despite some indifferent form for Barcelona. Experienced and adaptable – he can also play at right-back and on the right or left of midfield.
Midfielders
Massimo AMBROSINI
29.05.77
Milan
30 caps (0 goals)
Battling, ball-winning midfielder and useful in the air at corners. Played in four qualifiers last autumn but now set to be reserve to De Rossi. Missed out on the last World Cup because of injury.
Alberto AQUILANI
07.07.84
Roma
4 caps (0 goals)
Recalled by Donadoni in March and offers mobility, quality and an excellent long-range shot. However, can seem too pleased with his own not inconsiderable talent. One for the future.
Mauro CAMORANESI
04.10.76
Juventus
34 caps (3 goals)
The Italo-Argentine is one of the squad’s “quality” elements. He is called on to create things for forward Toni, either by getting down the flanks and crossing or by taking on his marker.
Daniele DE ROSSI
24.07.83
Roma
33 caps (4 goals)
A substitute in the World Cup Final but now an automatic first-choice. His physical strength and passing skills make him an ideal partner for the rather more cerebral Pirlo in central midfield.
Gennaro GATTUSO
09.01.78
Milan
57 caps (1 goal)
May be seeking fresh pastures at club level so the finals could offer the ideal shop window. When it comes to competitive, hard-running, ball-winning midfielders, he is just about the best.
Simone PERROTTA
17.09.77
Roma
40 caps (2 goals)
The attacking midfielder has been an important figure for both Roma and Italy for four seasons. In many ways, he sums up this Italy – hard- working and hard to beat. Not set to start at the finals, though.
Andrea PIRLO
19.05.79
Milan
45 caps (7 goals)
The team’s architect, building moves from his deep-lying central playmaker position. May well arrive at the finals less stressed because of Milan’s early Champions League exit.
Forwards
Marco BORRIELLO
18.06.82
Genoa
2 caps (0 goals)
Serie A’s biggest success story this season, coming from nowhere to top the scorers’ chart. Competitive, old-fashioned centre-forward, making him appear the perfect substitute for Toni.
Antonio CASSANO
12.07.82
Sampdoria
10 caps (3 goals)
Italy’s enfant terrible has been brilliant this season but selection would be a major gamble.
Alessandro DEL PIERO
09.11.74
Juventus
85 caps (27 goals)
Il Pintoricchio (the little artist) is back. His terrific form (17 Serie A goals by the end of April) has made this arguably his best season since his 1998 knee injury. His class and experience cannot be ignored.
Antonio DI NATALE
13.10.77
Udinese
17 caps (5 goals)
Fast and nippy and an ideal foil for centre-forward Toni. Scored both goals in the 2-1 qualifying win in Ukraine. One of the few current first-choices who did not feature in the World Cup squad.
Fabio QUAGLIARELLA
31.01.83
Udinese
8 caps (3 goals)
Little forward who burst on to the scene with two spectacular goals in Italy’s 2-0 qualifying win away to Lithuania last June. Fast, able to play off either foot and has a good eye for goal.
Luca TONI
26.05.77
Bayern Munich (Ger)
33 caps (15 goals)
Galvanised by his move to Germany and scoring important goals for club and country. Has remarkably good feet for a big, powerful man. Italy’s most formidable attacking weapon.
Newsletter
