Best 15Italyof the 2000s

The defining goalkeeper of the decade, combining extraordinary shot-stopping, command and consistency; Italy's undisputed starter and a central figure in the 2006 World Cup triumph.

Captain and defensive leader of the 2006 world champions; his near-flawless tournament and Ballon d'Or victory made him Italy's most historically significant outfield player of the decade.

Italy's most gifted attacking creator of the decade; despite entering 2006 after a serious injury, he led the champions in assists and converted the decisive penalty against Australia.

Still an elite and tactically immaculate defender in the early 2000s, captaining Italy at the 2002 World Cup before retiring from international football.

A world-class central defender renowned for anticipation, technique and clean tackling; injuries curtailed both tournaments, but his quality during the decade was exceptional.

The creative controller of Italy's 2006 champions, producing elite distribution, three assists and a man-of-the-match performance in the final.

An elite two-sided full-back whose pace, stamina and technical quality were crucial in both World Cups, particularly during Italy's victorious 2006 campaign.

Italy's dominant striker at the 2002 World Cup, scoring four goals in four matches and combining elite power, movement and finishing at his early-decade peak.

A technically brilliant and internationally renowned forward who attended both tournaments and scored the clinching semifinal goal against Germany in 2006.

One of the decade's most feared penalty-box specialists, selected for both World Cups and a scorer during Italy's victorious 2006 campaign.

The relentless ball-winner and emotional engine of Italy's midfield, especially influential during the knockout phase of the 2006 World Cup.

A prolific late-decade target forward who led Italy's attack in 2006, scoring twice against Ukraine and providing an imposing aerial and hold-up presence.

A decisive figure in Italy's 2006 triumph, scoring twice during the tournament—including in the final—and converting a penalty in the shootout.

A powerful, technically complete midfielder who emerged in the 2006 squad and returned from suspension to score confidently in the final shootout.

One of the heroes of 2006: he won the late penalty against Australia, scored the semifinal winner and converted the World Cup-winning shootout kick.