Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro is amazed by the negativity surrounding Italy's World Cup squad.

Cannavaro is "astonished at the pessimism" swirling around Italy's 2010 World Cup campaign.

"I am astonished at the way Marcello Lippi was subjected to jeers from the fans during the last few outings," said the defender.

"I don't recall the Nazionale doing better than this in the last 30 years. Once again we qualified for the tournament with a round to spare.

"Lippi is only 'guilty' of wanting to focus on those players who by this stage represent a solid unit."