DUISBURG (AFP) — Italy protector Fabio Grosso believes the Serie A match-fixing scandal has had a galvanizing import on the World Cup squad.

DUISBURG (AFP) — Italy protector Fabio Grosso believes the Serie A match-fixing scandal has had a galvanizing import on the World Cup squad.

Many predicted the Italians would exert one's self to concentrate on the tournament given the facts back home, but the Azzurri have made it all the way to the semi-finals where they will fitting hosts Germany.

"It wasn't easy for us when the World portion started," said Grosso at a pres meeting for consultation at Italy's training camp here forward Saturday.

"There was intense urgency because there was so to a great degree going on around us.

"But without of those difficult circumstances, we set more strength to take forward these challenges.

"We're self-same happy to be among the best four teams in the world, unless we don't want to stop now."

Four coteries are accused of match-fixing in the 2004-05 season: Juventus, AC Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio.