A standout in the U21s from 1998-2000, Gianluca Zambrotta was able to set foot alongside the greats in 1999, when Dino Zoff deployed him at left wing-back in a 3-5-2 in a friendly against Norway. It was 10 February 1999 and the game ended 0-0, after Marco Delvecchio’s goal was ruled out and the Azzurri unfortunately hit the post twice: once after Roberto Baggio's free kick, and then after Marco Delvecchio's acrobatic strike.

Speaking to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Zoff gave some words of praise to the wing-back after his national team debut: “I don’t want to say that it was the most positive part of the evening, but of course Zambrotta did some excellent things.”

The player’s words to Rosea revealed much of his character: “Nothing exciting, but solid: I think I did what Zoff asked of me. He congratulated me and I’m happy with that.”

The then 22-year-old from Como, who was in a two year spell with Bari in Serie A, was able to make a name for himself thanks to the incredible consistency of his performances and his rare ability to play almost every role: from the most advanced positions to covering deeper, both on the right and on the left.

This proven reliability and versatility, combined with physical attributes of the highest level led to his inclusion in the squad for the 2000 European Championship in Belgium and Holland, where the Azzurri finished as runners-up after Trezeguet’s golden goal in the final.

Just as Zoff did, Trapattoni, Lippi and Donadoni also picked him as a key part of their teams. After all, we’re talking about a World Champion capable of converting himself from a left-back to a right midfielder during the course of a World Cup. Appearances in three World Cups, one of which ended in glory, as well as three European Championships make him an indisputable great in Azzurri history. He also captained the side on the 94th of his 98 appearances, as well as scoring two goals, one of which broke the deadlock in the quarter-final against Ukraine in Germany ’06.

ITALY’S LINE-UP ON ZAMBROTTA’S DEBUT

Peruzzi - Panucci (Torricelli 46), Nesta, Cannavaro, Maldini P., Zambrotta (Totti 62) - Albertini, Baggio D. (Cois 46), Di Francesco - Baggio R. (Chiesa E. 81) Delvecchio