Position: Defender
Born: 28.11.77
Club: Palermo

An international debutant in 2003, Fabio Grosso has gone on to become a consistent figure in Italy's starting line-up, particularly since Marcello Lippi took charge of the national side.

The 27-year-old's performances for Palermo have convinced Lippi that he must be Italy's first choice at left-back and the knock-on effect in the team has been the switch of Gianluca Zambrotta to right-back.

The archetypal modern full-back in that he is strong defensively but also provides a threat attacking down his flank, Grosso is good on the ball and is equally adept at whipping in crosses as he is at firing in shots from distance.

A man who is surely destined for bigger and better things than Palermo, with all due respect to the side that finished eighth in Serie A this season, this summer could well see his stock rise further on the worldwide stage.