Cannavaro slams Italian media

(GSM) – Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has slammed the media for causing controversy over Claudio Marchisio’s anthem mistake.

Marchisio has been called to be dropped by the politicians, newspapers and fans from the World Cup after video suggested he sang “Roma ladrona” – Rome the thief – during the national anthem before Italy’s friendly match against Switzerland.

And the controversy was fueled further when his teammates on the bench turned to Marchisio and laughed.

Cannavaro, who was one of the players around him who turned and laughed after the incident, claimed that Marchisio’s mistake was down to tripping over his own words.

“What simply happened was that during the anthem we were getting our timing wrong,” Cannavaro told ANSA news agency.

“We were all losing our place, Marchisio in particular, between the sound of the band and the different tempo of the crowd’s singing.

“Because of that, and only because of that, we started laughing. The truth is that this is a ridiculous country.”

The Azzurri captain was also angry with Minister Roberto Calderoli, who suggested the squad forego its World Cup bonus during the economic crisis.

“No comment. I will only repeat that this is truly a ridiculous country.”