Italy skipper Fabio Cannavaro on Tuesday rejected suggestions that coach Marcello Lippi was clinging to World Cup winners who were too old to defend their title next year in South Africa.
''Enough with this story of oldsters, it's becoming a vogue. If I'm not wanted my place is open, but Lippi decides,'' said the 36-year-old as Italy returned from the Confederations Cup after defeats by Egypt and Brazil.
''I'm not just here because I lifted the World Cup. Everyone still has in mind the seven games at Germany 2006, and compared to that I always play badly. But, like Lippi, I think the players here are the best Italian soccer has to offer at the moment''.
''I don't see any phenomenons in Serie A''.
Cannavaro denied reports that the squad did not want Antonio Cassano, the one-time bad boy of Italian football who has had two great seasons at Sampdoria.
''We're all friendly with Antonio, I told him many times that he has paid for his mistakes.
''It's Lippi's call, but (Cassano) has found peace of mind and a steady girlfriend in Genoa. I hope he does well next year and then he'll be able to join the national team: he has the qualities to be here''.
Lippi said after Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Brazil that he had a ''clearer idea'' of how to rebuild the team, gradually bringing in younger players.
Cannavaro has come in for harsh press criticism along with other Germany 2006 stars like fullback Gianluca Zambrotta and centre forward Luca Toni.
