# Centre-back: Fabio Cannavaro
Fabio Cannavaro will forever be remembered as one of the best defenders and captain Italy have ever produced. Cannavaro took over the captain's armband from Maldini and led Italy to the final of Euro 2000 before going a step better at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
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For his impressive performances in that edition of the World Cup, Cannavaro earned the nickname 'The Berlin Wall' as he hoisted aloft Italy's fourth title in the competition. Following his exploits at the tournament, Cannavaro became the first defender to ever win the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
Fabio Cannavaro remains the last defender to win the coveted Ballon d'Or award. He made 136 appearances for Italy before announcing his retirement after the Azzurri endured an embarrassing group-stage exit at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
# Left-back: Paolo Maldini
The legendary Paolo Maldini was the captain of AC Milan and Italy for most of his career, which earned him the moniker 'Il Capitano'. In a storied 25-year club career at AC Milan, Maldini won 25 trophies.
He won the Champions League (formerly called the European Champions Club's Cup) a record five times, a record he shares with Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo. Maldini helped AC Milan win seven Serie A titles and one Copa Italia.
During a 14-year stint with Italy, during which he led his country to the semi-finals of the 1988 Euros and the 1990 World Cup. Although he made the final of the 1994 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000, a major international title remained elusive for the decorated left-back.
It was only four years after Maldini's retirement from international football that Italy won their fourth World Cup title in 2006.
# Centre-back/Sweeper: Franco Baresi
Legendary Italy defender Franco Baresi is arguably one of the greatest captains in his country's history.
Baresi was a member of the Italy team that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup, finished third at the 1990 FIFA World Cup and runner-up in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. He captained Italy in the latter tournament.
Franco Baresi made 81 appearances for his country and spent his entire 25-year career at AC Milan. He won six Serie A titles and three Champions Leagues titles during his stint with the Rossoneri. He was named by Brazilian legend Pele as one of the 125 Greatest Living Footballers in 2004.
# Midfielder: Gennaro Gattuso
Gennaro Gattuso's combative and aggressive style of play was the embodiment of Italian football in the 2000s. The defensive midfielder was renowned for putting his body on the line in every game he played for club and country.
Gattuso's ability to do 'the dirty work' and his warrior-like presence in midfield gave Andre Pirlo the freedom to play a more free and attacking role for Italy. Gattuso was one of the standout players for Italy at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Gattuso won two Serie A, one Coppa Italia and two Champions League titles during his storied career. The midfielder played 73 times for Italy before announcing his retirement from international football in 2010.
# Midfielder: Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. The Italian was renowned for his vision, calmness, ball control and creativity.
Pirlo led Italy to success at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, winning the Bronze Ball award at the tournament. He was also instrumental in Italy's run to the Euro 2012 final. His creative and languid style of play inspired an entire generation of players.
Pirlo played three World Cups and as many European Championships for Italy. He made 116 appearances for his country before announcing his retirement in 2015.
Andrea Pirlo won the Serie A Player of the Year three times. He won a total of two Champions League titles and six Serie A titles, two with AC Milan and four with Juventus. and was inducted into AC Milan's Hall of Fame and the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
