Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso believes the football scandal in Serie A was the driving force behind the national team's World Cup triumph.
The Azzurri won their fourth world title after beating France 5-3 on penalties in Berlin.
Gattuso, whose club AC Milan is among the four Serie A teams facing possible relegation due to corruption, said: "I am convinced that had the football scandal not happened in Italy we wouldn't be world champions.
"This has given us a very strong motivation and now we must await the verdicts.
"I really believe this title will only help to clean up football back home."
Juventus, Fiorentina, AC Milan and Lazio are waiting to hear if they will be severely punished.
Gattuso is looking to enjoy his moment of triumph with the Azzurri.
"It's an indescribable joy," said Gattuso.
"I am still trying to come to terms with what we have achieved.
"I want to dedicate this award to those who are not here today, like my grandfather and my parents who have given me a genuine character.
"I have to thank God for giving me this gift that has allowed me to make a good living and to experience this wonderful moment, the best of my career."
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has received a lot of praise for leading the Italians this summer. Thirteen of the national team squad play for one of the clubs on trial.
"We Italians know what it is to have guts to surpass any barrier," said Gattuso. "We have fought from start to finish throughout this tournament.
"We have to compliment the group because five of our goals in this tournament have come from bench players."
Gattuso will keep his promise he made before the final that should Italy win he would give a present to each of his uncles.
"It's going to cost me," he said. "Fortunately I do have the money, 10,000 euros per person."
Gattuso is hopeful that Lippi will remain with the Azzurri for Euro 2008.
Giancarlo Abete, joint chief of Italy's football delegation in Germany, said that Lippi's future would be decided in the coming week.
"Lippi has done a great job," admitted Gattuso. "He has brought the best out of his players. We hope that he will continue with us."
It has been revealed that 28,305,000 viewers watched the final on State TV channel Rai Uno.
