Luigi di Biagio first made a name for himself at Lazio but subsequently became a Serie A force at city rivals Roma.

Having just finished his fourth season at Inter, he remains an established force there and with Italy, fighting for everything in the centre of both midfields.

Defensively minded, he is quick to cut out opponents' attacks and launch his team-mates forward.

His international career started against Slovakia back in 1998 and Korea and Japan will mark his second World Cup.