we can win against those german...hehe
just hope no italian scores again italians.

The Italian team are angry with a German weekly publication and plan to take their revenge by knocking the host nation out of the World Cup on Tuesday.

The Azzurri are fuming over an article on Der Spiegel newspaper's website, which joked that Italians were "lazy and greasy, among other things".

The article was quickly pulled but not before the damage had been done ahead of the semi-final in Dortmund.

Skipper Fabio Cannavaro said: "As an Italian and captain, I feel offended."

He added: "These stereotypes applied to us come from an old culture that has been overly abused.

"It shocks me that this can happen in a civilised country like Germany."

Midfielder Gennaro Gattuso added: "That article offended my father and every other Italian who worked hard for low pay.

"Germany has given Italians work in the past but our countrymen put in the effort and earned their wages."

Italian journalist Gabriele Marcotti believes the article has not only served to spice up the game but has also dealt a damaging blow to Germany's charm offensive.

"I think it was certainly a bad judgement call by Der Speigel," he said.

"It has come at a time when Germany is trying so hard to be nice to everybody.

"One of their mottos for the World Cup is, 'The world is a guest of its German friends'."

Minus De Rossi, we have all the players we need. Hope Azzurri manage to pass through final without any cards. Seems like this year WC, Azzurri getting closer and closer as a 'team'. 8 players score goal.

Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has promised to play his natural game in the World Cup semi-final against Germany on Tuesday.

The Milan star would miss the final in Berlin on July 9 if he is booked in the match against the host nation.

However, Gattuso insists he will go into the game not thinking about the possibility of being booked as he bids to help the Azzurri reach their first World Cup final since USA 94.

"I would be happy for Italy to play in the final without me," he said.

"I won't think about the yellow card because if I do, I won't play as I normally do."

Gattuso knows the importance of a place in the World Cup final after relative failures in their last two major tournaments.

Italy failed to make the quarter finals in both the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004 but the 28-year-old is confident Marcello Lippi's men have the ability to lift the World Cup on Sunday evening.

"Unlike in Korea and Portugal, we have the coach and are more compact," he added.

"This allows us to achieve results even if we are not at 100%.

"I know our fellow countrymen want something big and we must win especially for ourselves and the people in Italy.

"This national team reflects our coach, he is a leader, a strong personality. What I like about him is the willingness to prepare for matches.

"I hope he stays with us when we are world champions."

Italy coach Marcello Lippi will have to mastermind victory over Germany without defender Alessandro Nesta.

The cultured Milan stopper has been on the sidelines since damaging a groin during Italy's final group game against Czech Republic.

Nesta had hoped to figure in Tuesday's semi-final in Dortmund, but his groin has not responded as quickly as anticipated and he will not play any part against Germany.

"Nesta is not available," said Lippi. "He is improving and we tried to get him back but without forcing things."

Nesta has trained with the squad and he could figure in either the final or third/fourth place play-off.

Marco Materazzi is likely to return to the side and partner Fabio Cannavaro at the heart of the back four, having been suspended for the quarter final win over Ukraine. Andre Barzagli is likely to make way.

Mauro Camoranesi has recovered from a knee problem and is available for selection.