The Italian Olympic Committee today dropped their case against Cannavaro, resulting from an emergency treatment he used on a bee sting.

That leaves Cannavaro free to look towards Wednesday's meeting with Cyprus, Italy's first game since securing their place in South Africa with a 2-2 against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

A drugs ban at this stage in the 36-year-old's career might have led him into early retirement, but now he knows exactly how he wants to go out.

"If you want to get rid of me, let me raise that cup," Cannavaro said. "To win back the World Cup would be a miracle."

The tournament may be nine months away, but Cannavaro is already sizing up the competition.

"Brazil and Spain will be a cut above the rest," he said. "But then we are there too."

Davide Santon is also hoping to play on Wednesday as the youngster bids to firm up his place in the squad for next summer.

Cannavaro once suggested that Santon should leave Inter Milan on loan to get first team experience, but Santon is happy that he has been proven correct to stay with the Nerazzurri.

"I want to stay at Inter," he said. "I don't want to go on loan. (Jose) Mourinho has given me confidence. I made some mistakes, but I'm learning.

"I knew it would be a difficult year, but Inter are giving me my chance. If I can take it, I know I will go to the World Cup."

That decision should rest with coach Marcello Lippi, who will surely lead the team to South Africa despite today sparking fresh speculation over his future by insisting he has no plans to sign a new contract before the summer.

"Why?" he said. "If then everything goes bad, would I remain just because I had a contract?"

Lippi acted similarly in his previous stint as Italy coach and left the Azzurri immediately after steering them to World Cup glory in 2006.

Speculation is rife in the Italian media that the 61-year-old has already informed the federation of his desire to step down after the finals and a successor is already being sought.

Reports suggest Lippi will return to Juventus, who he coached for three years, in a 'super manager' role similar to director of football.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti and England boss Fabio Capello are thought to head the federation's list of possible replacements, although it would be difficult to prise either away from their current posts.

The federation's president, Giancarlo Abete, claims he is only looking as far ahead as South Africa at the moment.

"I'm not intervening on who will be in charge after the World Cup, I'm only thinking of the World Cup," he told Radio Anch'io lo sport.

"I understand that there are thoughts about post-World Cup, but we're concentrating on the World Cup."