Ground-based characterisation of the asteroseismic targets for the COROT space mission

We illustrate the approach to the use of asteroseismology to sound stellar interiors. We also present the spectroscopic and photometric observations carried out to give the complete characterisation of the potential targets of the space mission COROT. The Italian contribution plays an important role in the preparation of the observational basis of this space mission. The use of the TNG/SARG high-resolution spectra is described.