Fabio Cannavaro is not about to let the World Cup trophy slip out of his hands in South Africa next year.

Italy are reigning world champions and the experienced defender reckons his side are good enough to retain the title they won four years ago.

Speaking to Repubblica.it., the Juventus man said: "We are the champions of the world," the 26-year-old proclaimed to Repubblica.it.

"People know that we have won four World Cups, and made two losing finals to Brazil.

"Therefore, there is a little bit of fear in them when Italy is mentioned.

"Personally speaking, I come to this World Cup four years older, but those years are of experience.

"In seven matches, anything can happen, and we will try to prepare ourselves as best we can over the next few months," concluded Cannavaro.

Cannavaro will once again lead his nation into battle when the tournament kicks off in South Africa with Marcello Lippi at the helm.