Italy's World Cup victory should not prompt an amnesty or leniency in the match-fixing scandal that could result in the demotion of four of Italy's top clubs, the soccer federation's lead investigator said Wednesday.

"I believe that the disciplinary proceedings under way should not have any connection to the World Cup victory," Francesco Saverio Borrelli was quoted as saying by the Apcom agency.

Prosecutors in the sports trial are seeking demotion for Juventus to Serie C _ the third division_ or lower; and for Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio to be relegated to Serie B.

Juventus could also be stripped of the league titles it won the past two seasons.

Verdicts are expected this week.

Thirteen of the 23 players on Italy's World Cup-winning squad play for the four Serie A clubs under investigation.

Last week, before Italy beat France in a penalty shootout for its fourth World Cup title, Justice Minister Clemente Mastella criticized the court proceedings and suggested the possibility of an amnesty.

"Amnesty in case of a victory at the World Cup? The government cannot interfere, but I think the fans are asking for it," Mastella said.