France and Italy will meet in the 2006 World Cup final on Sunday evening. The ageing French team will be hoping to overcome the Italian defence to become the first team in this tournament to score a goal of their own against the Azzurri, while the Italians will attempt to continue their impressive performance.

Here we look at some of the key battles that may unfold during the final.

FABIO CANNAVARO v THIERRY HENRY

With his deadly finish and elegance in the box, Henry is one of the finest strikers in the game. Although considered by many to be less effective at international level than with Arsenal, he will be looking to silence his critics and add to his three-goal tally so far in the final in Berlin.

Standing in Henry's way will be Italy's skipper and most capped player in the current squad Cannavaro. Although lacking in height, Cannarvaro's aggression, power and great anticipation have been the major reason for no attacker managing to break through the Italian defence.

GENNARO GATTUSO v ZINEDINE ZIDANE

With the nickname 'Ringhio' (Growl) and two yellow cards in the tournament so far, Gattuso will have to be industrious to overcome France. The battling midfielder will have to be at the top of his game to outplay France's Zidane. With his trademark stepover and incredible skill on the ball, the French artist will no doubt be determined to win his second World Cup in the final match of his career.

LUCA TONI v LILIAN THURAM

Thuram will be hoping for an equally as impressive performance as he had in France's semi-final against Portugal. Named man-of-the-match on that occasion, 34-year-old Thuram is showing that despite his age, he is still one of the most rock-solid defenders on the planet.

No stranger to Thuram's defending ability is Serie A's top scorer Toni. The tall Italian is both good in the air and has great control of the ball, and his excellent finishing skills make him a problem for any defender.