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Slur provides some inspiration for Italy

Hamburg: Italy already has some inspiration to beat Germany in the World Cup semifinals. An article posted on the website of German weekly Der Spiegel earlier this week defined Italians as "parasites, mamma's boys and slimy," causing outrage in Italy's World Cup camp.

Der Spiegel pulled the story as soon as it got wind of the controversy it created. The magazine also issued an apology, but the damage was done and it is sure to be discussed again ahead of Tuesday's World Cup semifinals.

"As an Italian and captain of the national team I feel offended," defender Fabio Cannavaro said. "These stereotypes applied to us come from an old culture that has been overly abused. It shocks me that this can happen in a civilised country like Germany."

Italy set up its World Cup camp in industrial Duisburg, an area filled with Italian immigrants, with the idea that the team would be inspired by the success stories of its countrymen abroad.

Italy can look back to its 4-1 rout of Germany in March in a friendly match. Alberto Gilardino, Luca Toni, Daniele De Rossi and Alessandro Del Piero each scored before Robert Huth notched Germany's lone goal in the 82nd minute in Florence. — AP

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