THE COACH

Cesare Maldini
Old-school Italian coach - a disciple of catenaccio and dogged defending who has come up through the Italian federation ranks, coaching the Under-21s to European Championship success before taking over from Arrigo Sacchi in late 1996. A successful player for Milan and Italy, winning the 1963 European Cup at Wembley and earning 14 caps for his country. Father of current national defender Paolo.

GOALKEEPERS

Angelo Peruzzi
First keeper and an excellent shot-stopper. A regular for his country since making his debut against Estonia in 1995. A former Under-21 captain.
Born: 16.2.70. Club: Juventus. Caps: 22. Goals: 0.

Gianluca Pagliuca
First-choice at USA 94 who has lost out to Peruzzi in recent seasons. Likely reserve for Peruzzi in France.
Born: 18.12.66. Club: Internazionale. Caps: 33. Goals: 0.

Gianluigi Buffon
Promising young keeper who made a dramatic debut against Russia in the France 98 qualification play-off, coming off the bench to replace Pagliuca and make a series of sensational saves.
Born: 28.1.78. Club: Parma. Caps: 2. Goals: 0.

DEFENDERS

Antonio Benarrivo
Left-back and possible reserve for Maldini.
Born: 21.8.68. Club: Parma. Caps: 23. Goals: 0.

Fabio Cannavaro
Introduced to the side by Cesare Maldini and established himself as a regular during the France 98 qualifying campaign.
Born: 13.9.73. Club: Parma. Caps: 12. Goals: 0.

Alessandro Costacurta
Experienced, versatile defender who has been a regular since making his national debut in 1991. Missed both the 1994 European and World Cup Finals through suspension.
Born: 24.4.66. Club: Milan. Caps: 53. Goals: 2.

Ciro Ferrera
Highly experienced centre-back and likely first-choice sweeper - if he recovers from a broken left leg in time for France. His fitness is still hanging in the balance.
Born: 11.2.67. Club: Juventus. Caps: 43. Goals: 0.

Paolo Maldini
Exceptional defender, pin-up, national team captain and son of coach Cesare. Likely first-choice at left-back but equally at home at centre-back. Still in his 20s, but already third in list of Italy's most-capped players.
Born: 26.6.68. Club: Milan. Caps: 87. Goals: 7.

Alessandro Nesta
Key player for Lazio and a protege of Cesare Maldini in the Under-21 side. Plays at centre-back but can also operate as full-back or man-to-man marker.
Born: 19.3.76. Club: Lazio. Caps: 11. Goals: 0.

Luigi Sartor
Possible replacement for the injured Ferrera. Is having an exceptional first season with Inter following his mover from Vicenza.
Born: 30.1.75, Club: Internazionale. Caps: 1. Goals: 0.

Moreno Torricelli
Long-haired right-back who is now back in favour after a spell out with injury.
Born: 23.1.70. Club: Juventus. Caps: 6. Goals: 0.

MIDFIELDERS

Demetrio Albertini
Key man in central midfield for club and country. Controls the pace of Italy's game and initiates the team's counter-attacks. First capped in December 1991 and crucial to Milan's successes in the 1990s.
Born: 23.8.71. Club: Milan. Caps: 50. Goals: 3.

Dino Baggio
First choice on the left side of central midfield who is no relation to Roberto. A veteran of USA 94 who pops up to score some crucial goals.
Born: 24.7.71. Club: Parma. Caps: 46. Goals: 7.

Antonio Conte
Captain of Juventus whose return to form after serious injury should see him included in the squad for France.
Born: 31.7.69. Club: Juventus. Caps: 8. Goals: 0.