World Cup: Italian team trying to escape corruption scandal

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro was called in Saturday by prosecutors to explain his transfer two years ago from Inter Milan to Juventus. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon faces accusations of illegal betting.

Photo: World Cup: Italian team trying to escape corruption scandal

World Cup: Italian team trying to escape corruption scandal

The scandal centers on Juventus, which has five players on Italy's team, with accusations of match-fixing and referee arrangements. AC Milan, which also has five players on the team, is under investigation, too.

Italy enters the tournament with an 18-match unbeaten streak, but is coming off two lackluster draws in warmups against Switzerland and Ukraine last week.

Italy has some major lineup issues to clear up before its opener against Ghana on Monday.

Playmaker Francesco Totti's condition remains the top concern, the AP reports.

Last week against Switzerland, Totti played his first full match since breaking his leg in February but appeared far from top form. Another 30 minutes of action against Ukraine showed only minimal improvement.