Bergomi, known to fans throughout Italy as Zio or Uncle, has been an ever present in the Italian game since he was drafted into Italy's 1982 World Cup final winning side as a raw 18-year-old.

Bergomi, in his 19th season as a professional, is currently sixth in the all time records for Serie A League appearances.

Italian national coach Dino Zoff heads the list with 570 games.

In a period when soccer has been turned upside down by massive injections of television cash and by the post-Bosman freedom of player movement, Uncle Bergomi has swum against the tide, spending his entire professional career at Inter Milan.

It is arguable that had Bergomi accepted offers to move he might have won more with other clubs. His 19 seasons with Inter have yielded just one Italian title, three UEFA Cups and One ItalianCup.

Bergomi's relative freedom from injury guaranteed him an automatic first choice place at inter for most of his career.

Last season the arrival of new coach Gigi Simoni prompted speculation that Bergomi was at the end of the road. But he regained his best form, playing a vital part in a successful season which saw Inter finish second in Serie A and win the UEFA Cup.

His outstanding form won recognition from Italian World Cup coach Cesare Maldini who called him into his squad for France '98.

It marked a remarkable international comeback for Bergomi who had last played for Italy in a friendly against Denmark in 1991.

He replaced injured Lazio defender Alessandro Nesta after just four minutes of Italy's first round game against Austria.

Bergomi remained in the team for both of Italy's next two games, their second round win over Norway and their quarter- final by France, taking his number of caps to 81.

Looking back over his long career, Bergomi admitted that the biggest thrill was his Serie Adebut as a 17-year-old in a 2-1 win over Como at the San Siro in February 1981.

His worst moment in an Inter shirt?

``That came in the Milan Derby game (Inter v AC Milan) in March 1985,'' he said. ``Five minutes from the end of the match got a pass back to the 'keeper wrong and they scored to equalise. If there had been a big hole in the pitch I would have jumped right into it.''

Bergomi is unlikely to be looking for holes to jump into a the San Siro on Sunday Night.