Italy have had a long and sometimes painful association with the World Cup. They've had some legendary players throughout the years and some who will forever be associated with the finals like Paolo Rossi, Dino Zoff, and the enigmatic Salvatore 'Toto' Schillaci.
A host of young talent now forms the backbone of the Azzurri, many only having debuted for Italy since the summer of 2004. New coach Marcello Lippi swept aside anyone not willing to work for their position. Yet the youngsters have provided more than half of the goals scored by Italy to get to Germany.
With three World titles behind them the Italian's will be hungry for a fourth and with so many new players in the squad maybe a few more will take their place among the Italian greats in 2006. [Latest Italy Squad News]