Here is a list of the key players from Serie A that could now be available:
GOALKEEPERS
Gianluigi Buffon (Age: 28) Juventus and Italy
Has underlined his position as the world's best keeper - as well as the most expensive - in Germany by conceding just once in six games. Has already been linked with Barcelona.
Others:
Dida (32) AC Milan and Brazil
Angelo Peruzzi (36) Lazio and Italy
DEFENDERS
Alessandro Nesta (30) AC Milan and Italy
Italy's number 13 has been unlucky to miss out on the latter stages of the finals after picking up an injury against the Czech Republic. When fit he is a fixture of the Italian backline and one of the toughest defenders in world football.
Fabio Cannavaro (32) Juventus and Italy
Has been the outstanding defender at the World Cup finals and, even at 32, there will be no shortage of takers if he is put on the market. Would certainly solve some of Real Madrid's defensive problems.
Gianluca Zambrotta (29) Juventus and Italy
Another star of Italy's World Cup campaign, Zambrotta is equally capable of performing on either wing in defence or attack. With his best years ahead of him he is unlikely to spend them in Serie C.
Lilian Thuram (34) Juventus and France
From a marauding full-back in his heyday, Thuram is more often than not used as a calm and collected centre-half these days. But he has shown in Germany he still has the ability to perform at the highest level.
Others:
Cafu (36) AC Milan and Brazil
Massimo Oddo (30) Lazio and Italy
Tomas Ujfalusi (28) Fiorentina and Czech Republic
MIDFIELDERS
Gennaro Gattuso (28) AC Milan and Italy
The defensive lynchpin of the Italian midfield. Strong in the tackle and a leader on and off the field, the one-time Rangers star has made no secret of his interest in playing for Manchester United.
Andrea Pirlo (27) AC Milan and Italy
The artist in the Italian side has enjoyed a superb World Cup. A creator and scorer of goals, there would be no shortage of suitors if Milan were to suffer relegation.
Kaka (24) AC Milan and Brazil
One of the few Brazilians to emerge from the World Cup with some credit. The Milan playmaker and one-time Chelsea target pushed Ronaldinho to the sidelines to emerge as their key man.
Patrick Vieira (30) Juventus and France
Has answered questions about his fading engine with some driving displays at the heart of a France side who are rolling back the years.
Others:
Mauro Camoranesi (29) Juventus and Italy
Alessandro Del Piero (31) Juventus and Italy
Pavel Nedved (33) Juventus and Czech Republic
Emerson (30) Juventus and Brazil
STRIKERS
Luca Toni (29) Fiorentina and Italy
The first player for nearly 50 years to score 30 goals in Serie A took his time to get going at the World Cup, before two against Ukraine in the quarter-finals. At 29 this could be the big striker's last chance to move to one of the world's top clubs.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (24) Juventus and Sweden
Often fails to live up to his billing as one of the world's top strikers and the Sweden player was off-form and injured for the duration of the finals. But the 24-year-old's ability and goal record means there are plenty of admirers out there.
Others:
David Trezeguet (28) Juventus and France
Alberto Gilardino (24) AC Milan and Italy
Filippo Inzaghi (32) AC Milan and Italy
