Andrea Pirlo

With the 2006 World Cup semi-final against Germany nearly at penalties, Pirlo held the ball outside the area and found Fabio Grosso for Italy's breakthrough. He delayed until the defensive attention had moved, then played the pass into the space Grosso could use. It is a revealing example of his calm: waiting was an attacking decision, not hesitation. His deeper midfield role gave Italy a player who could shape a move from its beginning and still recognise its decisive opening.