DORTMUND, Germany -- Italy moved to within one game of winning the World Cup on Tuesday and still hasn't allowed an opponent a goal.

The 2-0 semifinal win over Germany means the only score the Azzurri have given up in more than 570 minutes of tournament play is Cristian Zaccardo's own-goal in a 1-1 first-round draw with the United States.

The credit doesn't just belong to goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who has strengthened his reputation as the best in the world.

Captain Fabio Cannavaro, who will earn his 100th cap in Sunday's final against Portugal or France, has played every minute of Italy's six games and stifled one scoring attempt after another.

In the first half of Tuesday's extra-time win over the host, Cannavaro raced back to clear one dangerous ball and outstretched his leg to block a shot by Lukas Podolski five minutes later.

Italy didn't allow Germany one shot on goal in the first half and Buffon tipped a dangerous shot by Podolski over the crossbar in the 112th minute to halt one of the hosts' best chances.

Midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, man of the match in Italy's 3-0 quarterfinal win over Ukraine, has also been a big factor. On Tuesday, he hustled back to take the ball away from Podolski on a German counterattack in the 68th.

"We've had a great tournament. We've come through a difficult match. But we haven't won anything yet," Buffon said. "Let's enjoy the result tonight but wait until the final before celebrating."

Italy's defensive success is all the more impressive considering it doesn't play its infamous "catenaccio" tactics anymore. Until a few years ago, the entire team would retreat back in front of Italy's goal and hope to score only on counterattacks.

Coach Marcello Lippi began this World Cup with a very un-Italian three-forward lineup. In the past two games it's been reduced to two strikers, one center forward and playmaker Francesco Totti.

Italy has relied on Cannavaro more than usual since his fellow central defender Alessandro Nesta has missed the last three games with a right thigh injury. Marco Materazzi and Andrea Barzagli have filled in, but things could get even tougher for opponents if Nesta returns for the final.

Buffon said Italy will have a tough test whether the final is against Portugal or France.

"If you analyze the two teams they are similar in terms of the way they play and in terms of ability," he said. "Both teams have champions in abundance. I hope we meet whichever is the most tired."