Class act despite the absentees: Italy
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Your support makes all the difference.1 Angelo Peruzzi Juventus
First-choice goalkeeper. Suspended for a year in 1990 after testing positive for amphetamines. (Age 26, 8 caps).
2 Luigi Apolloni Parma
Tall stopper who was a surprise success for Italy at USA 94 when others were injured (29, 12).
3 Paolo Maldini Milan
Probably the best defender in the world. Brilliant left-back, equally at home in central defence (27, 68).
4 Amedeo Carboni Roma
Maldini's understudy, one of the few consistent performers for a poor Roma side in recent seasons (31, 12).
5 Alessandro Costacurta Milan
Defender who missed both the 1994 European Cup final and the World Cup final due to suspension (30, 36).
6 Alessandro Nesta Lazio
Late, late call-up from the Under-21 squad after an injury to Juventus defender Ciro Ferrara (21, 0).
7 Roberto Donadoni New York/NJ MetroStars
Veteran former Milan midfielder who has stayed in squad despite emigrating to Major League Soccer (32, 60).
8 Roberto Mussi Parma
Experienced right-sided defender who has played for Sacchi at both Milan and Parma. Rarely a first choice (32, 8).
9 Moreno Torricelli Juventus
In the tradition of hard-man defenders like Gentile and Facchetti. Debut against Wales this year (26, 3).
10 Demetrio Albertini Milan
Strong tackler whose main role is to win ball for more creative men around him in midfield (24, 36).
11 Dino Baggio Parma
Midfield anchor man who often scores vital goals. Comes from a family of pig farmers (24, 30).
12 Francesco Toldo Fiorentina
Made cool debut in 1-1 draw against Croatia after Peruzzi was injured and Bucci sent off (24, 3).
13 Fabio Rossitto Udinese
Midfielder who had a fine season with promoted Udinese. Late replacement for injured Antonio Conte (25, 1).
14 Alessandro Del Piero Juventus
Exciting, unpredictable striker who has played for Italy's senior, Under- 21 and military teams this season (21, 10).
15 Angelo Di Livio Juventus
Late starter at international level - caught Sacchi's eye in the title- winning Juventus team (29, 5).
16 Roberto di Matteo Lazio
Quiet midfielder who suits defensive covering role. Born in Switzerland but chose to wait for Italy call-up (26, 12).
17 Diego Fuser Lazio
Surprise choice in midfield, was with Sacchi at Milan. Good season for Lazio, whose style coach admires (27, 5).
18 Pier Luigi Casiraghi Lazio
Powerful centre-forward, strong in the air. Serious, studious type, likely to be Ravanelli's understudy (27, 31).
20 Fabrizio Ravanelli Juventus
Sleek silver-haired striker. Recently injured a hand defending himself in a petrol station punch-up (27, 9).
19 Enrico Chiesa Sampdoria
A revelation in Serie A late in the season, tipped by some to be the new Rossi or Schillaci (25, 1).
21 Gianfranco Zola Parma
Diminutive Sardinian playmaker who scored seven goals in the qualifiers, but has fitness worries (29, 20).
22 Luca Bucci Parma
Only goalkeeper left from 1994 World Cup squad. Second choice then, now probably third (27, 3).
The team
No Roberto Baggio, Vialli or Signori - if Italy fail the squad selection will come under serious scrutiny. Despite the absentees they remain a formidable force and a good bet for the last four, at least. Maldini still reigns at the back and look out for two superb young forwards: Del Piero of Juventus and Sampdoria's Chiesa.
The coach
Arrigo Sacchi made his name as coach of Milan, winning two European Cups between 1987 and 1991, when he became national coach. A stern tactician, he has fallen out with some top players (notably Vialli) and his inflexible approach to man-management has attracted much criticism. Once earned a living as a travelling shoe salesman.
The fact file
Previous appearances in finals: 1968 (winners), 1972 (quarter-finals), 1980 (fourth place), 1988 (semi-finals).
Qualifying record: W7, D2, L1 (Group Four runners-up).
Top scorer in qualifiers: 7 Zola.
Most appearances in qualifiers: 9 Zola, Albertini.
Population 57.5m. Registered clubs 19,966. Registered players 1.1m. Professional players 3,200.
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