Cannavaro calls for overhaul of Italian game

The statement comes after Italy were eliminated at the group stages after a 1-0 defeat to Egypt and a 3-0 loss at the hands of Brazil.

“We need reconstruction and not just the national team. Let's start with the infrastructure, the stadiums, but also the youth teams,” the 35-year-old said.

Many observers believe that Italy have too many ageing players and that coach Marcello Lippi is wrong to expect them to repeat their 2006 World Cup success in South Africa next year.

Domestically, Serie A clubs are losing out on revenue because, unlike English sides, they do not own their stadiums, while Milan have complained that favourable Spanish tax laws make it difficult for Italian clubs to compete in the transfer market with La Liga.

No Italian side reached the Champions League quarter-finals last season and few big-name players look likely to head to Serie A for next term.

“There are no more Tottis, Baggios or Del Pieros,” said Cannavaro, who equalled Paolo Maldini's all-time Italy caps record of 126 against Brazil. “Today it is enough for a defender to be tall, cute, blonde and a dribbler and they think that makes them good.”

AS Roma striker Francesco Totti has retired from international football while fellow World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero (34) has been overlooked by Lippi for almost a year.

Meanwhile, Spain, who set a world record of 15 successive international wins when they beat hosts South Africa last Saturday, take on USA in the first of the Confederation Cup semi-finals tonight.