Panucci, Nesta, Materazzi and Zambrotta. No, this isn't a list of great Italian defenders, this was the backline in Giovanni Trapattoni's last match in charge of Italy, a 2-1 win over Bulgaria in Euro 2004.
That's quite a defence compared to the current rearguard the Italian has at his disposal ahead the upcoming qualifiers against Georgia and Montenegro, which has already suffered a setback after Kevin Kilbane suffered a fractured cheekbone during Wigan's 5-0 mauling of Hull City at the weekend.
Kilbane could still play with a protective mask, but it's likely Trapattoni will line up with Steve Finnan, John O'Shea, Richard Dunne and QPR's Damien Delaney, although he could switch O'Shea to the left and draft in Paul McShane, who has moved to Hull City on a season-long loan. Such a move is unlikely given McShane's recent return from injury, but there is an overall sense of unease at Ireland's back four due to the fact that they have either been played out of position or not played at all.
Despite Finnan's return to the international fold he was out of favour at Liverpool before his transfer deadline day move to Espanyol, O'Shea has been filling in at central midfield in the absence of Michael Carrick, while Dunne is only returning having sat out Manchester City's opening league games through suspension.
There may be a new manager at the helm but it's the same old story for Crystal Palace's Paddy McCarthy and Preston North End's Sean St Ledger, who despite being first-team regulars continue to be overlooked.
It's understandable that Trapattoni is attempting to have a settled squad ahead of this month's qualifiers but the inclusion of McShane — whose performances even while fully fit have been poor — is a kick in the teeth to those waiting in the wings.
Bar the lack of goal threat from Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle — although a hat-trick for the latter last weekend suggests a return to form — defence is the main worry for Ireland. Dunne is a rock at centre-back and was considered unlucky by many not to be handed the captain's armband ahead of this qualifying campaign, but he often has to do the work of two men.
O'Shea has shown time and again that he struggles to fully concentrate for 90 minutes, the latest average performance coming in the friendly with Norway, and while McShane made an impressive start to his career for club and country, gaping cracks have now appeared.
One saving grace could be the form of the two players in front of Dunne and co. The performance of the central midfield pairing of Steven Reid and Glenn Whelan in the firsthalf against Norway was the first sign of Trapattoni's influence. Reid's passing was flawless and Whelan was never afraid to get stuck in when required.
It is imperative that the duo reproduce this in Mainz on Saturday, for if Ireland can quickly gain a foothold in midfield it should settle the nervy bunch behind them