Gianluigi Buffon

Italy captain and talisman in many respects, a good tournament from the goalkeeper is essential to Cesare Prandelli's squad if they want to win.

Gianluigi Buffon is Italy's most capped goalkeeper, recently over-taking Dino Zoff - which only underlines his standing within the game. His transfer to Juventus in 2001 for more than £30million is still a world record for a goalkeeper. Buffon began his career with Parma at the age of 13 and soon progressed into the first team, making his debut aged just 17 in 1995. The year 2001 saw his jaw-dropping move to Juventus, at which time he was already Italy's No.1 after making his debut for the Azzurri at just 19. Buffon is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of all time and at 34 still looks to have a number of years at the top ahead of him. Buffon helped Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, but would love to add a European Championship prize to that. He will lead Italy in Poland and Ukraine and he will be hopeful he will get his hands on the Henri Delaunay trophy.