Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro has shrugged off their friendly defeat to Mexico.

The Azzurri captain branded the 2-1 loss a "training run".

"We were tired from the intensive fitness work. It's not an alibi, but the difference in fitness levels does transform this from a bad result to a good training session," said Cannavaro.

"We must improve and we will improve for our opener with Paraguay. You'll see that on June 14, we'll be ready.

"There is always criticism of the Italy squad and in a way they even help us."