Roma manager Fabio Capello prefers to use Delvecchio as a partner for Gabriel Batistuta ahead of Vincenzo Montella.

That has led to Delvecchio having the slight edge over his team-mate when it comes to being picked for the national squad.

Injury has cost him a decent run in the side since his volley against France, his first ever goal for the Azzurri, in the final of Euro 2000.

Delvecchio's somewhat gangly appearance can make him look clumsy at times, but he has more skill than is at first apparent.

He is a strong and powerful player and is also a threat in the air.

Before he joined Roma in 1995 he had two spells with Inter and he has also played for Venezia and Udinese.

Despite his obvious talents he has never been popular with the fans either at club or international level.