12-Francesco Toldo (Fiorentina) - Age: 28; Caps: 13; Goals: 0; Euro 2000 appearances: 5; Euro 2000 goals: 0.

One of the great success stories of the team. Started the year as only second choice goalkeeper behind Gianluigi Buffon. His subsequent performances have matched his six foot, five inch stature. Gets down remarkably fast for a tall man - as he proved in the penalty shoot-out against Holland.

5-Fabio Cannavaro (Parma) - Age: 26; Caps: 39; Goals: 0; Euro 2000 appearances: 5; Euro 2000 goals: 0.

A central defender who has matured a lot since he made his international debut against Northern Ireland three years ago. Timing of his tackles contributed much to a great defensive display in the semi-final. In spite of a shortage of inches, wins a lot in the air.

13-Alessandro Nesta (Lazio) - Age: 24; Caps: 28; Goals: 0; Euro 2000 appearances: 5; Euro 2000 goals: 0.

Arguably the best central defender in the world just now. Big and authoritative, he occasionally betrays a mean professional streak to cloud an earlier reputation as something of a stylist. Highly effective in setpieces at either end of the pitch.

15-Mark Iuliano (Juventus) - Age: 26; Caps: 10; Goals: 1; Euro 2000 appearances: 5; Euro 2000 goals: 0.

His reputation has grown significantly with some important contributions on the way to the final. Scarcely rated as a probable member of Dino Zoff's team at the start of the year, he has proved his worth as an abrasive defender who is not fazed by the big occasion.

11-Gianluca Pessotto (Juventus) - Age: 29; Caps: 18; Goals: 0; Euro 2000 appearances: 4; Euro 2000 goals: 0.

In the absence of the suspended Gianluca Zambrotta, he may well get a place in the starting line-up on the strength of the man-toman marking job he did against Zinedine Zidane in the World Cup quarter-final two years ago. A hard competitor.

14-Luigi Di Biagio (Inter Milan) - Age: 29; Caps: 18; Goals: 3; Euro 2000 appearances: 3; Euro 2000 goals: 1.

Fits the description of an ideal anchor man in midfield. His perception and running power enables him to protect the back three in Zoff's master plan and, as he demonstrated in Thursday's penalty shoot-out, he thrives on the challenge.

4-Demetrio Albertini (AC Milan) - Age: 28; Caps: 71; Goals: 2; Euro 2000 goals: 4; Euro 2000 goals: 0.

One of the team's most experienced players, Albertini has won 70 caps since his debut in 1992. The archetypal Italian midfielder, powerful in the tackle and effective on the break, he represents one of Italy's bigger hopes.

18-Stefano Fiore (Udinese) - Age: 25; Caps: 8; Goals: 1; Euro 2000 appearances: 5; Euro 2000 goals: 1.

An unlikely playmaker who had little prospect of playing in this championship until he was summoned to join the squad for the game against Sweden in February. His contribution here has run in inverse proportion to his experience, however, with the promise of even better to come.

3-Paolo Maldini (AC Milan) - Age: 32; Caps: 110; Goals: 7; Euro 2000 appearances: 5; Euro 2000 goals: 0.

One of the most respected full backs in the world who also doubles as a wing back. Far and away the best-known member of the team, his form has suffered since picking up an injury in the first phase games. Yet, he will demand a lot of respect from the French.

10-Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus) - Age: 25; Caps: 33; Goals: 10; Euro 2000 apps: 5; Euro 2000 goals: 1.

Probably cost Cesare Maldini his job when the manager insisted on gambling on his fitness in France `98. He is still viewed as something of a risk here and needs to find substantial improvement to trouble the world champions tomorrow.

9-Filippo Inzaghi (Juventus) - Age: 26; Caps: 25; Goals: 8; Euro 2000 appearances: 4; Euro 2000 goals: 2.

His reputation as one of the game's best players in the six-yard area has scarcely been substantiated in recent games. Yet, in a game in which an early goal may prove decisive, he could be a match-winner.