With the upcoming World Cup soccer tournament set to start in 8 days, the Italian team, led by coach Marcello Lippi, is about to embark upon their defense of the 2006 title.
Despite being ranked 5th in the world according to FIFA, the Italians should put up a strong defense. A lot will depend on how the new players mesh with the players that were on the championship team, and of course how star goalie, Gianluigi Buffon can perform in the net.
The Italian World Cup roster is now set, and the team will only have 9 players from the championship squad: Gianluigi Buffon, Iaquinta, Andrea Pirlo, Fabio Cannavaro, Gilardino, Gianluca Zambrotta, Canoranesi, Daniele De Rossi, and Gennaro Gattuso. A surprise player to make the team is Mauro Camoranesi, despite having injured his knee on Tuesday.
The team will leave on June 8th for South Africa, and will play in Group F against Paraguay, New Zealand, and Slovakia.
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