Italiano Night

Italy beat France 5-3 on penalties to win the 2006 world cup.
Everyone thought France might win with the legendary old farts like Thuram and Zidane, Makelele.
Guess too much spotlight was on Zidane's finale game but it eluded most people including myself that the current Italy squad comprised of legendary old farts in it too.

A shocking look at the entire squad list of both finalists could nearly make up half squad of the past and present Juventus. They were one of the best and greatly feared back then, you can only see the list of players that graced the team back then and understand why.

• Angelo Peruzzi at 36 during his prime was solid as a rock when he was at Buffon's peak for Juventus deputising as Italy's No. 2
  
  
• Lilian Thuram was playing left back for Juventus. Fucking solid as ever even at age 34.
  
  
• Gianluca Zambrotta was left wing for Juventus, always sizzling down the flanks and still do after so many years though he was coverted to right back.
  
  
• Zinedine Zidane was god for Juventus in 98 as a playmaker. It was no wonder he and Didier Deschamps (also a Juventus player who was excellent dictating the centre of the park) went on to inspire France and thumped Brazil out of the 1998 finals.
  
  
• Alessandro Del Piero, the all time Juventus top scorer, though playing a bit part role for Italy still played a part in Italy's build up to the finals. Who cant forget his second goal against Germany in the semi's? His expertly taken right foot chip which went pass Lehmann which sealed the Germans' exit.
  
  
• Filipo Inzaghi aka 'Pippo' was Del Piero's striking partner back in the 90s. They were akin to Man Utd's Dwight and Andy Cole back the 99 hey-days. Exceled as a lone striker whom he moved to AC later on where he became overshadowed by Svechenvko.
  
  
• Fabio Cannavaro, aruguably the world's finest centre back. Yes even John Terry doesnt come close. At 33, he's been a rock in the heart of the defence and his interceptions against France's bore testamounts to it. He reads the game very well and especially with Buffon marshalling the posts has conceded only 2 goals; an own goal and a pen by Zidane.
  
  
• Coach Marcelo Lippi, the Juventus coach back then, it was no wonder he drafted his old team back in the Italy's squad. One hell of a coach; he was won serie A titles, the champions' league and now world cup.

Their ages hover around 31-36 with the exception of the coach. 2006 finals was a very memorable one because of the old school kick ass players were gracing the finals whilst in their twilight years of their careers.