Cannavaro lashes out at 'oldies' jibes

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2009

ROME (AFP) — Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has hit back at recent criticism of the reigning World Cup champions, which has focused on the team's largely veteran status in the wake of their Confederations Cup flop.

Marcello Lippi's side beat the United States 3-1 but were then shocked by Egypt 1-0 before Brazil hammered the final nail in their coffin with a comprehensive 3-0 thrashing on Sunday.

Italy missed the semi-final stages on goal difference, and have been widely labelled as underachievers.

In Italy that criticism has mainly focused on the fact that seven of Lippi's starting 11 against Brazil were aged 30 or more, with captain Cannavaro almost 36.

However central defender Cannavaro said it was time for the criticism to stop.

"Let's bring an end to...