Sturdy defender who won call up while at Vicenza. Has enjoyed fine first season with Inter. Capped by Maldini at under-21 level. A perfect replacement for Ferrara if the Juventus sweeper fails to recover from broken leg in time. Tall, rangy figure, no relation to namesake Roberto.
Strengths are mainly defensive but has also scored important goals.
First-team regular on the left. Mop-haired lynchpin of the Italian and Milan midfields. Late starter in international terms. Caught Sacchi's eye in title-winning Juventus team in 1995 after being regular for AS Roma. Juve captain back to his best after missing virtually all last season through injury.