It may be small consolation for losing Euro 2000, but the Italians are sending an impressive squad to Sydney in an attempt to win the football gold medal. At the very minimum, they want to vanquish memories of the disappointing show in Atlanta, where they won only one game and finished bottom of a group that also included Mexico, Ghana and Korea.

The current European under-21 champions are coached by Marco Tardelli, who won a World Cup medal as a player in 1982. He has rewarded his team's success in winning the under-21 title in Slovakia by not naming any over-age players. Under Olympic rules, he could have named three players over the age of 23 - and among those interested in joining the team was Roberto Baggio.

However, the youthful squad has no lack of talent. Included in the team is Inter Milan's Andrea Pirlo, Lazio's Roberto Baronio and in the defence, recent Juventus signing Marco Zanchi. Also playing for qualification in Italy's group will be hosts Australia, Hondorus and Nigeria. Italy last won Olympic gold in 1936.