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Neymar of Brazil celebrates as he scores their second goal from a free kick during the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Group A match between Italy and Brazil at Estadio Octavio Mangabeira
BRAZIL
Julio Cesar – (6.5)
The new Arsenal custodian was not made to work hard enough by the Italian strikers except when Mario Balotelli’s free kick stung his gloves from at least forty yards out.
Dani Alves – (7.5)
The Barcelona full-back was a constant threat down the right hand side and was neat with his passing as usual. Linked up often with Hulk to kick start a few counter attack from inside their half.
David Luiz- (5)
Had a mixed game for as long he was on the pitch before being taken off after what seemed like a knock on his thigh. A late challenge on Balotelli earned him a booking early on, but looked poised with the ball and was quick to close the opponent down.
Thiago Silva – (8)
A fine performance from the Selecao captain as he held his fort during the Italian onslaught in the final stages of the match. Stuck close to Balotelli keeping him quiet for large periods of the game.
Marcelo – (7)
The Real Madrid wing-back was always a threat when he joined in attack and played a terrific lobbed pass for Fred to score Brazil’s third goal. However, defensively he left a little bit more to be desired.
Hernanes – (6)
Looked extremely poised early on in the game as his distribution was immaculate and controlled the team’s overall tempo. But faded away as the game progressed and almost non-existent during the second half.
Luiz Gustavo- (7.5)
The Bayern midfielder had a neat game as he sat pretty well in front of the back line and sprayed the passes around the midfield.
Oscar- (6.5)
Had a topsy turvy match as he switched off for large periods of the game but was involved in most of Brazil’s promising attacks. Showed his quality when his delicate flick found Neymar in space but he dragged his shot wide.
Neymar – (7.5)
The Brazil number 10 had a rather quiet first half as Abate did a fairly good job in sticking close to him. Lashed out at the defender in frustration, earning himself a yellow card in process. Looked dangerous in the second half and scored a terrific free kick before being subbed.
Fred – (8.5)
Brazil’s top performer for the day scoring a fine brace. Shrugged off Chiellini before thumping home from a difficult angle for his first and then was the fastest to react when Buffon spilled a shot. A strong presence up top through out the match and held on to the ball pretty well everytime he got it.
Hulk- ( 7)
The strong winger had a brilliant opening minute as he zoomed past two Italian defenders before forcing Buffon into a fine save. Became less involved as game wore on but always provided that extra pace down the right. Kickstarted a terrific counter attack in the second half when he tricked his way past three Italian defenders before passing it onto Alves.
Subs
Dante- (6)
The Bayern defender had a below average match although he scored Brazil’s opener with a decent left footed shot from a corner kick.
Bernard – (5.5)
The supposed Tottenham target showed glimpses of his potential as he tried to get involved in the build up play but overall had little bearing in the match.
Fernando -(4)
Came on late in the match to provide some defensive stability.
Emanuele Giaccherini of Italy (22) celebrates as he scores their first goal during the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil
ITALY
Gianluigi Buffon- (5.5)
The Azurris skipper has let in 7 goals in the last two games and this was only the second time that he let past four in a single match. Should have done much better to parry the shot wide and prevent Fred from pouncing on to score his second.
Ignazio Abate (6)
Abate did exceedingly well during his stay on the pitch as he had Neymar under his control. Hardly gave the Brazilian trickster space to exploit but had to be subbed due to a shoulder injury.
Giorgio Chiellini- (7)
An average performance from the experienced centre back as he failed to wrestle Fred off the ball which led to Brazil’s third. But the Juventus defender quickly made up for his error by scoring one and pulling the deficit back.
Leonardo Bonucci – (5.5)
Played second fiddle to Chiellini for large parts of the game and struggled against the quick Brazilian attackers.
Mattio De Sciglio – ( 7)
A very professional performance from the left back as he tread upwards with caution. Defended pretty well against Hulk and Alves most of the time, but provided little in the attacking department.
Antonio Candreva – (7)
Candreva’s work rate was terrific as he bombed down the right as well as dropped deep to provide adequate support for Maggio.
Claudio Marchisio- (6.5)
A very mediocre performance from the midfielder as he struggled to find his usual passing. Found little assistance in the midfield but worked hard to win back balls most of the time.
Alberto Aquilani- (5)
Aquilani was definitely the poorest Italian player out in the middle as he struggled to keep the ball and lost possession infinite times during the match.
Ricardo Montolivo – (4)
Was having a horror show as he kept losing the ball more often than not in the early minutes of the game. Struggled as the Brazilians kept closing down the ball quickly.
Alessandro Diamanti – (6)
Barely had any impact in the game apart from providing a couple of decent corner kicks.
Mario Balotelli – (7.5)
A much matured performance from the Milan striker as he was left all alone up front for most of the game. Showed his physical strength when his delightful flick set up Giaccherini for Italy’s first.
Subs
Giaccherini (8)
Showed great desire to get onto the ball and shielded it pretty well. Showed his range of passing as well and scored a brilliant goal to inspire an Italian comeback. Was arguably Italy’s best player on the pitch.
Christian Maggio- (7)
The veteran full-back replaced Abate and initially struggled to keep up with Neymar. Conceded a free kick in the edge of the area which led to Brazil’s second of the match. But improved as the game wore on and became involved in the overall play, went close to scoring as his header hit the bar from a Candreva corner.
Stephane El Sharaawy – (5)
Came on in the second half but barely had a telling touch on the football during his stay.
