Don't mention the scandal, say Italians

DUISBURG, Germany, June 8: Italy coach Marcello Lippi says the team have decided to stop discussing the Serie A match-fixing scandal which has overshadowed preparations for the World Cup.

The publication of telephone transcripts of former Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi discussing refereeing appointments has led to at least 41 figures in the Italian game being placed under investigation.

''We were talking about everything during our time at our training camp in Coverciano but now we are here we have decided that we only want to talk about football and the World Cup,'' Lippi told a news conference after training today.

Lippi's son Davide has been placed under investigation by Rome magistrates looking into the operation of the players and coaches' agency GEA World which is run by Moggi's son Alessandro.

Captain Fabio Cannavaro said the players did not want to continue discussing the unfolding scandal which could see his club Juventus, at the centre of many of the allegations, relegated to Serie B.

''With something so important happening in our sport we decided to make ourselves available to discuss it at Coverciano but now we are only thinking about football,'' said Cannavaro.

''It has been a difficult time for Italian football and the only place we can give a good response is on the pitch,'' added the Italy captain.

Italy kick off their World Cup Group E campaign against Ghana on Monday before facing the United States and the Czech Republic.

REUTERS