Alessandro Nesta has been regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world for a good few years now.
A stylish defender, he is quite capable of matching his finesse with force when required and he supplements his defensive play with an excellent passing ability.
Nesta is much revered at Lazio for whom he made his debut at the age of just 17. His international debut followed against Moldova in 1996.
Although he failed to appear in any matches, Nesta was called into the squad for Euro 96 after Ciro Ferrara pulled out through injury.
He damaged ligaments in his knee while playing against Austria at France 98 but had a successful Euro 2000 tournament where he was a key figure in the Azzurri's run to the final.
He is continually linked with big-money moves around Europe but has so far remained loyal to the club of his heart.