Cannavaro says they were driven by rage in the game against Germany in the semifinals of the World Cup: the rage caused by the German press, by Pessoto’s suicidal attempt, by the scandals in Italy.

“First we lost to the host nation in 2002, and that was dubious, and then we failed in Portugal. We’ve put that rage to good use on the pitch, and you can see that at this World Cup. We’re turning this anger into something positive.”

Cannavaro said he wasn’t thinking about surpassing Paolo Maldini’s record of 126 Italy caps, and was simply going to enjoy reaching treble figures. “I’m a long way from Paolo’s record,” he said. “I feel that I am reaching an important milestone, and that gives me a great deal of pleasure.”

Cannavaro revealed that Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, who flew in especially for the Germany game, joined him and the team in the post-match celebrations. “We sang a few songs together in the dressing room. We sang ‘O sole mio’,” said the former Napoli, Parma and Inter Milan centre-back.

Cannavaro admitted revenge will be on his mind if Italy meet France in the final, having played in the quarter-final defeat to Les Bleus on penalties in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. “That defeat in Paris still hurts,” he said. “I was young, but it’s still painful. Maybe its a chance for revenge. Let’s see what happens. Portugal could beat them.”

Source: WCoffsite