Italy put in some sublime performances to lift the 2006 World Cup, but what has happened to the heroes of that tournament since?
Italy are one of the traditional heavyweights in European football. They have won the World Cup four times and have finished runners-up on two occassions.
The last time they became world champions was in 2006 when the marquee event was held in Germany. They defeated Zinedine Zidane's France in the final in a tiebreaker after the two teams were locked at 1-1 following 120 minutes of football.
Although Italy emerged triumphant, the post-match talk was mostly around Zidane's headbutt on Marco Materazzi and his subsequent sending-off.
Italy's title was their first after 24 years which put them just one behind Brazil, the most successful nation in World Cups.
Getty ImagesGianluigi Buffon – Goalkeeper
Buffon is the most-capped player in the history of Italian football with 176 appearances to his name.
He has played in five World Cups and was awarded the Golden Glove in 2006 for his heroics in between the sticks.
He was selected in the Team of the Tournament as he kept five clean sheets.
Buffon is currently playing for Parma in Serie B. He has a contract till 2024 which would keep him playing until the age of 46.
AdvertisementGianluca Zambrotta – Right-back
The full-back spent most of his playing career at Juventus, making over 250 appearances.
After leaving Turin, he went on to play for Barcelona and Milan.
He even had a stint in India as a manager, taking charge of Delhi Dynamos.
Zambrotta was a key member of the 2006 World Cup-winning squad and was selected in the Team of the Tournament for his impressive performances.
He recently joined FIFA Museum's team of ambassadors.
Getty ImagesFabio Cannavaro – Centre-back
Cannavaro is one of the most decorated centre-backs in world football.
He was the skipper of the 2006 World Cup-winning team and has 136 international caps to his name.
He played for several top European clubs like Juventus, Real Madrid and Inter.
The defender won the 2006 Ballon d'Or for his performances in the World Cup.
After retirement, he has become a manager and his last stint was with Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande.
He is currently on a sabbatical after leaving the club in September 2021.
Marco Materazzi – Centre-back
Materazzi scored Italy's equaliser in the World Cup final in what should have been his moment of fame.
However, his duel with Zinedine Zidane and the subsequent head-butt probably garnered him more attention.
He spent most of his career at Inter and won the UEFA Champions League with them in 2009-10.
Materazzi had a stint in India, later on in his career as he led Chennaiyin to an Indian Super League title.