Cannavaro controversy will not phase Italians, says Trap

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni insisted today that the Fabio Cannavaro controversy would have no impact on Marcello Lippi’s preparations for tomorrow night’s game.

The 36-year-old defender failed a drug test after taking a medicine that contained the banned substance cortisone.

He said: “In Italy – and I know also the English and the German people – your colleagues [journalists] put many, many pressures on about these situations, important situations and also not important situations.

“You have important football in Germany, you have important football in Italy, you have important football also in England, and also in Ireland.

“In Italy, we are used to these pressures. I don’t think they will come here with any fear at all. I am sure not.

“I have read about Cannavaro, but in my life, I have read many, many situations like about Cannavaro.

“I must believe only when the doctor or the commissioner of UEFA or FIFA decides it is true or it is not true.

“I cannot decide. I am not a doctor, I am not a commissioner of UEFA or FIFA. I am not a specialist and it’s not up to me to decide whether it is true or not. It will be the commission in Zurich who will decide.”