Position: Midfielder

Born: 09.01.78

Club: AC Milan

If, as expected, Marcello Lippi breaks convention and fields an attacking line-up at the World Cup then Gennaro Gattuso's role at the heart of the Italian midfield will be vital.

The combative midfielder is the workhorse of the national side with his tireless closing down and take-no-prisoners tackling providing possession for the more creative players.

Pirlo may be the master craftsman in the duo's winning partnership but it is short, accurate balls from Gattuso where much of Italy's play first evolves.

At times in qualifying Lippi was so confident in Gattuso's ability he played a three-pronged attack along with another attacking midfielder, normally Mauro Camoranesi.

Since joining Milan from Salernitana Sport in 1999 the 28-year-old has been an integral part of a glittering side that has won the Champions League and romped to the 2003/2004 Scudetto.

Gattuso first came to prominence when he joined Rangers on a free transfer, he quickly become popular with his terrier-like displays.

His competitive, aggressive tackling is often attributed to his time in Scotland and Italy will be relying on him for it in Germany.