Position: Defender
Born: 21.12.81
Club: Palermo

Like fellow squad member Andrea Barzagli, Cristian Zaccardo was a European Under-21 champion two years ago and has timed his rise to prominence perfectly to force himself into this squad.

His ability to play in any defensive role made him an attractive choice for Marcello Lippi, although any playing time he does get this summer is likely to be at right-back where he is battling it out with Massimo Oddo to be Gianluca Zambrotta's understudy.

Capped 42 times at junior level having made his bow as a 16-year-old, Zaccardo first played for the senior side in 2004 and made a crucial contribution during World Cup qualifying, heading home the only goal of the game against Slovenia that confirmed Italy's place in Germany.

Strong defensively and no slouch when required to bring the ball out, Zaccardo will ensure - along with Barzagli - that Italy's defence is a force to be reckoned with for many a year.