One of the greats of the modern era, this will surely be Del Piero's last major tournament at international level - and he couldn't be in better form for it.
The Juventus legend is Italy's joint-fourth top scorer, but has often been criticised by those who believe he has not hit the same height for his country as he has for his club, although he did score Italy's second in their 2006 World Cup semi-final victory over Germany and netted a penalty in their winning shoot-out against France in the final.
Despite being Juventus' all-time leading goalscorer, Del Piero won his first 'Capocannonieri' for being the top scorer in Serie A this season, a last-day double against Sampdoria sealing the award.
Del Piero only made five appearance in qualifying and is likely to be used mainly as a substitute by coach Roberto Donadoni and there will be few better replacements than the popular Italian, given that he can play as a central striker or out wide and is as good at creating goals as he is at scoring them.
He will also be one of the most decorated players in Austria and Switzerland, having won five Serie A titles, one Champions League, one Coppa Italia, four Italian Super Cups and one European Super Cup as well as personal honours such as Italian Player of the Year in 1998 and twice finishing as top goalscorer in the Champions League.
















Italy