Cannavaro matches Maldini mark

Veteran defender Fabio Cannavaro has matched the legendary Paolo Maldini's milestone of 126 caps for Italy.

Italy skipper wins 126th cap in Confederations Cup defeat

Veteran defender Fabio Cannavaro has matched the legendary Paolo Maldini's milestone of 126 caps for Italy. Cannavaro's appearance in the Confederations Cup clash with Brazil on Sunday in South Africa took him level with Maldini as the most capped player in the history of the Azzurri. But it was a bitter-sweet moment for the Italy captain as a 3-0 defeat to the South American side sent them crashing out of the tournament. Cannavaro, who will re-join Juventus this summer after the expiry of his Real Madrid contract, admitted that writing his name into the history books was a special moment. He said: "It's very gratifying to still be a part of this squad. "It's always different wearing Italy's jersey, and matching someone like Paolo is really an honour."

Incredible

Cannavaro was crowned the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2006 after he guided Italy to World Cup glory with a series of inspirational displays. But the 35-year-old feels it is highly unlikely that he will hit such heights again before he calls time on his glittering career. He added: "It's tough - maybe impossible - to get back to that level. I played at an unbelievable level for seven games. It was really incredible." The former Napoli, Parma and Inter Milan player has admitted he has some concerns over who will fill his boots when he retires, with more young attacking talents emerging in recent years. He said: "Italy has had great defenders and goalkeepers for the last 20 years, whereas now we have more midfielders and forwards, but I'm sure that in five or six years defending will be back in style."