Simone Barone was a regular member of the Italy squad during the World Cup qualification campaign, but is unlikely to see much playing time in Germany. The aggressive defensive midfielder has enjoyed an impressive run of form in Serie A since joining Palermo in 2004, but his role with the national team is restricted to that of understudy to AC Milan powerhouse Gennaro Gattuso. Barone began his career at Parma but spent four seasons out on loan - with Padova, Alzano Virescit and Chievo Verona, who he helped win promotion to Serie A - before finally establishing himself as a first-team regular in the 2002-03 season. A financial crisis forced Parma to sell him two years later.