Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio denies mocking the Italian national anthem.

A media furore exploded at the weekend when video suggested he had sung "Roma ladrona" - Rome the thief - during the Italian anthem ahead of the 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

"Together with my teammates on the touchline we were singing and following the tempo of the crowd," explained the Juventus midfielder.

"At one point I lost my timing and so had to repeat the word 'chiamò' to get back on track. This made both me and my teammates laugh."

He added: "I wish to underline my great respect for the national anthem and the unity of the country. I am confident that the nation will be behind us for the World Cup.

"I very much appreciated the words of Coach Marcello Lippi and FIGC President Giancarlo Abete who, knowing what I am like, immediately read the incident in the appropriate manner.

"I hope that this has definitively cleared up the incident and I ask all Italians to stand by us for the sport."