Fabio Cannavaro is renowned as one of the world's finest central defenders and his well-established partnership with Alessandro Nesta will be key to Italy's hopes of success in Germany. The Italy captain has started to show signs that he is feeling his age and slowing down this season, but his ability to read the game and positional play remain as impressive as ever. The 32-year-old made his international debut in 1997 and has already played in four major tournaments, including Euro 2000 where the Azzurri reached the final, only to be defeated by France in extra-time. At club level Cannavaro played for Napoli, Parma and Internazionale before joining Juventus in 2004 and helping the Bianconeri win the Serie A title in his first season.