FLORENCE, Italy — The doping case involving a bee sting and defender Fabio Cannavaro has been dropped by the Italian Olympic Committee.

The committee's anti-doping court on Monday dropped the case after learning the positive test was a result of using cortisone to treat the bee sting.

The Italy captain was questioned last week. He said he did nothing wrong and was bothered by the public outrage it sparked.

Cortisone can be administered if authorization for therapeutic needs is granted. It was unclear if his Juventus team received permission.

"My conscience is clean," Cannavaro told the ANSA news agency after joining Italy to prepare for a World Cup qualifier against Cyprus.

Also Monday, Cannavaro says he will retire if the Azzurri defend their World Cup title.

The 36-year-old Cannavaro is set to make his 130th appearance for Italy against Cyprus on Wednesday, having broken Paolo Maldini's record of 127 against Switzerland in August.

Cannavaro added that "Brazil and Spain will be favored slightly" in South Africa, "but we're right there behind them."