Italian politician Umberto Bossi apologised Wednesday for his much-criticised remarks that Italy would "buy" a victory in a crucial World Cup group match against Slovakia.

The comments by Bossi, a Cabinet minister, had drawn a sharp rebuke from the national football federation and fellow politicians alike.

"I apologise to the national team," the Federal Reforms Minister told the ANSA news agency.

He said his comments were meant as a "joke" and that he hopes Italy wins the World Cup.

The defending champion Italians have had two draws against Paraguay and New Zealand in Group F and need a win over the last-place Slovakia team on Thursday to ensure they progress to the knockout stage.

Bossi had reportedly said that "they (Italy) will buy it," responding to a question about which team would win. He said he expected two to three Slovak players to surface in the Italian league next season - apparently as compensation to the Slovak team.

The Italian football federation described Bossi's remarks as "disconcerting and offensive." It said that Bossi, a maverick politician known for his anti-establishment rhetoric, had gone "overboard."

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