Seven Italians in World Cup all-star squad

Berlin:

Forwards Francesco Totti and Luca Toni were among seven Italians named on Friday to the 23-man World Cup all-star squad, which also included Zinedine Zidane, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry of France. Three-time champion Italy and 1998 winner France will meet on Sunday in Berlin in the World Cup final. The squad, selected by FIFA's Technical Study Group, was announced two days ahead of the championship match. Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta, Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso also made the team from Italy, while Lilian Thuram was a fourth French player. Ze Roberto was the only Brazil player included after the defending champions were knocked out in the quarterfinals following a disappointing tournament. John Terry, the likely successor to David Beckham as England captain, was the only Englishman selected. The squad was selected on performances through the second round and was drawn from a shortlist of more than 50 players. Host Germany, which lost to Italy in the semifinals, had four players on the squad, including captain Michael Ballack, striker Miroslav Klose and goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. All-Star Squad: Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Jens Lehmann (Germany), Ricardo (Portugal). Defenders: Roberto Ayala (Argentina), John Terry (England), Lilian Thuram (France), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Fabio Cannavaro (Italy), Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy), Ricardo Carvalho (Portugal). Midfielders: Ze Roberto (Brazil), Patrick Vieira (France), Ziedine Zidane (France), Michael Ballack (Germany), Andrea Pirlo (Italy), Gennaro Gattuso (Italy), Luis Figo (Portugal), Maniche (Portugal). Forwards: Hernan Crespo (Argentina), Thierry Henry (France), Miroslav Klose (Germany), Franceco Totti and Luca Toni (Italy). (AP)