Italy

To the home team go the spoils: automatic entries in every event, roaringly supportive crowds and a virtually guaranteed boost in medals won. Led by skier Giorgio Rocca, Italy's team will give locals plenty to cheer about

Giorgio Rocca, ALPINE SKIING
At 30, Rocca (above) has blossomed into a World Cup sensation. His five straight slalom wins this season--a feat matched by only three other skiers--set off a frenzy of ticket sales in Italy. Rocca's lucky charm: 10-week-old son Giacomo, born shortly before the streak began.

Carolina Kostner, FIGURE SKATING
Her cousin Isolde, one of Italy's greatest Alpine skiers, carried the national flag in the opening ceremonies in 2002, and Carolina (top left) will follow in Isolde's footsteps in Turin. The fan favorite, who turns 19 on Feb. 8, was the world bronze medalist in 2005.

Armin Z�ggeler, LUGE
The 32-year-old defending gold medalist (bottom left) is a policeman from South Tyrol, a region so close to Austria that German was his first language. With his final set for Day 2 of competition in Turin, Z�ggeler could win Italy's first gold medal of the Games.