The experience of Mladen Krstajic, the power of Goran Gavrancic and midfielder Zvonimir Vukic's eye for goal have all played a part in Ilija Petkovic’s team’s trademark solidity during the last couple of years. However, the undoubted talents of Dejan Stankovic, Mateja Kezman and Savo Milosevic may well not be enough to see them through a difficult group containing Argentina, the Netherlands and Côte d'Ivoire. While the veterans have already shown what they can do, Vucinic could provide that extra little bit of magic that makes all the difference. With the FIFA World Cup in mind, Serbia and Montenegro coach Petkovic has hastened the Lecce striker's involvement with the senior national side, in spite of a difficult season both personally and at club level. This was all a far cry from the heady days of the 2004/2005 campaign.

Many of his 19 goals during that Serie A season were of the highest quality. As if this were not enough, Vucinic also helped his country reach the finals of the UEFA European U-21 Championship in Portugal this year and he scored a fantastic hat-trick in the deciding qualifying game against Croatia.

Lecce come calling
The fledgling international's club career has so far been relatively straightforward. At the age of 16, he went from Sutjeska Niksic, his hometown team, to his current club Lecce, which has a tradition of unearthing young talent from around the world. From that day Vucinic has worked assiduously on improving his technique, tactical acumen and, above all, his temperament. This investment has brought him goals and success in the notoriously-defensive Italian league.

Standing at 1.86m and weighing in at 76kg, Vucinic is both physically powerful and technically gifted. He has an exquisite and masterly right-foot, is able to finish with clinical precision or thunderous power, depending on the situation, and is also gradually improving his aerial ability. He thrives in the role of main striker, but has also shown his effectiveness out wide, particularly on the left.

Like all skilful players, the talented youngster is in his element when the ball is played to his feet and seems less comfortable when his team resorts to a long-ball game. The striker's Italian coaches have been working hard to curb his volatile temperament as early into his spell at the club he was suspended for swearing at a referee. Vucinic was made to open up the club's offices every morning as a punishment and he seems to have learnt his lesson.