FIFA Confederations Cup: Brazil vs. Italy - Match Preview

Venue: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Referee: R.Irmatov

Kick-off time: 12:30 (IST)

Probable Starting XI

Brazil : Júlio César, Daniel Alves , Thiago Silva , David Luiz, Marcelo, Luiz Gustavo, Hernanes, Oscar, Hulk, Fred, Neymar.

Italy : Buffon, Abate , Bonucci , Chiellini, De Sciglio, Aquilani, Montolivo, Marchisio, Candreva, Giovinco, Balotelli

Predicted Score: Brazil 3 -1 Italy

The Brazilians are looking forward to win three games out of three in the final group stage match of the Confederations Cup, in a high-profile clash with Italy at the Fonte Nova Arena. With a place in the semi-finals already assured, both teams meet for the right to top Group A and avoid World and European Champions Spain in the semi-finals. Both Cesare Prandelli and Luiz Felipe Scolari are unlikely to make any changes to the squad as they seek three valuable points in tonight’s game. Brazil’s performance has boosted and improved since Felipe Scolari took over from the ineffective Mano Menezes. The two countries have met on 15 occasions, with Brazil winning seven times compared to Italy’s five. Italy have not tasted a win against the Yellow Submarines for over 30 years on their home soil.

The current Brazilian football team looks promising, in defence David Luiz and Thiago Silva will form the central defensive partnership. Dani Alves and Marcelo will operate at right-back and left-back, respectively. Coming to midfield, Luis Gustavo, who dropped deep in defence with Silva and Luiz against Japan and Mexico, will operate as a defensive midfielder, easily snuffing out the danger and will join alongside Hernanes and Chelsea‘s Oscar. The latter has the ability to shoulder the creative responsibility in midfield as well as attack. Brazil have superstar Neymar, Lucas Moura and Fred to trouble the Azzuri defence. Neymar has proved to be a world class player, after his superb volleys against Mexico and Japan. The 21-year-old lad has excellent positioning ability and can easily cope up with any high level opposition side.

David Luiz has been declared fit to start despite breaking his nose against Mexico. However, Paulinho is unlikely to be risked by Felipao after the Corinthians midfielder suffered from a minor ankle sprain. Elsewhere, Zenit striker Hulk has failed to produce impressive displays in the opening two matches and his place on the right wing could be taken by PSG’s Lucas Moura as Brazilian fans too want the youngster to replace Hulk.

In the Italian squad, Gianluigi Buffon will captain his team once again, and Prandelli has Claudio Marchisio and Alberto Aquilani to replace suspended Danielle De Rossi and ruled out Pirlo (calf injury). The 55-year-old’s team can beat Brazil, provided they have a tactical master plan to beat the Samba boys. He could opt for Stephan El Sheraawy and Sebastian Giovinco to join Mario Balotelli, who has scored 2 goals in this tournament so far. Giovinco can easily make use of set-pieces and provide fine assists.

The Brazilians will be looking to dominate over the Azzuri, who also have a descent chance to top the group. Meanwhile, Neymar could spice up the game with his crazy nutmegs, stepovers and Rabonas.