World Cup 2006

Reuters

Italy prepares for the final.

16. Fabien Barthez, goalkeeper, Marseille, 35: Acrobatic, if unpredictable veteran. Played a French-record 16 matches at 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cups, allowing only seven goals. Still, his status as the French No. 1 for this tournament came late. The 6-foot Barthez is short for a goalie, but athleticism helps him compensate. Anything can happen with Barthez in goal.

19. Willy Sagnol, defender, Bayern Munich, 28: Experienced, mobile fullback who motors up and down the right flank.

3. Eric Abidal, defender, Lyon, 26: Left back seen as future star of France defense. A favorite of coach Raymond Domenech.

5. William Gallas, defender, Chelsea, 28: Classy defender who can play both center back and fullback.

15. Lilian Thuram, defender, Juventus, 34: Solid, stylish defender with loads of experience. Calm under fire, a steadying influence at the back.

6. Claude Makelele, midfielder, Chelsea, 33: Archetypal defensive midfielder who does much of his work under the radar. Good passer once he wins the ball.

4. Patrick Vieira, midfielder, Juventus, 30: Veteran has shown his worth at this World Cup, answering critics who say Juventus acquired him on the downside of his career. Can break down opposition attacks and is also a threat at the other end. At 6-4, is a threat in the air.

7. Florent Malouda, midfielder, Lyon, 26: Versatile midfielder with good passing skills and an attacking outlook.

10. Zinedine Zidane, midfielder, Real Madrid, 34: Making the most of his soccer swan song, Zidane has shown off his stepovers, vision and slick passing. Teammates seem inspired by their captain's final drive for the World Cup. Scored twice in '98 final win over Brazil, surprisingly on headers. A cool customer at the penalty spot.

22. Frank Ribery, midfielder, Marseille, 23: One of the French new breed. Speedy midfielder who likes to attack. Has turned heads at tournament and will no doubt draw attention from other clubs. Scar on face is from childhood car accident.

12. Thierry Henry, forward, Arsenal, 28: Stylish forward who ranks among the world's best. Likes to operate on the wing, then attack the box. Can create space out of nothing and then have a go at goal. Theatrics at tournament, tumbling to ground and clutching body parts, have been disappointing.

ITALY

1. Gianluigi Buffon, goalkeeper, Juventus, 28: The world's most expensive goalkeeper at $41.5 million, he has been worth every penny at the World Cup. Beaten only once, on an own-goal, in six matches and is tied with Portugal's Ricardo for a tournament-leading 23 saves. Rock solid.

19. Gianluca Zambrotta, defender, Juventus, 29: Hard-working, versatile player who can operate at fullback or in midfield.

3. Fabio Grosso, defender, Palermo, 28: Occasionally vulnerable defensively, the big left back has been an attacking force here. His run down the left won Italy the decisive penalty kick against Australia in the second round and he scored the winner with a curling shot against Germany.

5. Fabio Cannavaro, defender, Juventus, 32: Italian captain has been a defensive rock, showing great vision in breaking up attacks. Great anticipation helps make up for lack of size at 5-9. Coach Marcello Lippi calls him the best defender in the world. Set to earn his 100th cap in the final.

23. Marco Materazzi, defender, Inter Milan, 32: An injury to Alessandro Nesta opened a spot for Materazzi, who has had an eventful tournament. Scored coming off the bench against the Czechs, was sent off against Australia. At 6-foot-4, can be a player to watch on set pieces.

20. Simone Perrotta, midfielder, Roma, 28: Made his mark with AS Roma after an early stint at Juventus. Another hard worker.

8. Gennaro Gattuso, midfielder, AC Milan, 28: Tenacious, diligent midfielder who does the dirty work for Italy.

16. Mauro Camoranesi, midfielder, Juventus, 29: Argentine-born midfielder is a bundle of energy who is a danger coming off the flank, both with the ball at his feet or via crosses. Easy to spot with his long hair pulled back in a samurai style.

21. Andrea Pirlo, midfielder, AC Milan, 27: Hailed as one of the new breed of holding midfielders, Pirlo can win the ball and then trigger attacks. Has a great passing eye. A set-piece specialist.

10. Francesco Totti, forward, Roma, 29: Talismanic player who can make goals and score them from his position linking midfield and attack. Coming back from a serious leg injury, seems determined to prove a point at this World Cup after misbehaving at previous international tournaments.

9. Luca Toni, forward, Fiorentina, 29: Big forward (6-4) with good ball skills. Toiled for lesser clubs for years before showing he can score at highest level.