Cannavaro looking to hit top form against Bayern Munich

Real Madrid's Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro insists that he can put his current slump behind him in Wednesday's Champions League last 16 second-leg clash at Bayern Munich.

The 2006 World Player of the Year has not played his best since helping Italy win the World Cup last year.

"I'm not at my top level. I've never had so many yellow cards. It's a strange experience for me. But since the World Cup it has been difficult," Cannavaro told sports daily Marca.

"I've been thinking a lot about this. I've looked at players who reached the World Cup final like (Thierry) Henry and others, and I'm realizing they're not at their best either so I hope that this is the explanation," said Cannavaro.

"When you're not playing your best all you can do is work more."

Cannavaro said that Real will be looking for a goal-fest after Bayern netted important away goals in the 3-2 first-leg defeat to the Spaniards at the Bernabeu a fortnight ago.

"We know that we have to score. Otherwise we're dead." he added.

But Real Madrid captain Raul admitted that he fears the pressure cooker atmosphere of the Allianz Arena in Munich.

"It will be the first time that we've played on this new pitch. The fans are very near the players, it will be a different atmosphere," said Raul.