Tonight’s encounter between Italy and Brazil in Geneva will see the European side fighting hard to register its first triumph over the South American giants in 30 years.
Although Brazil, who will be hosting next year’s Fifa World cup, have automatic qualification, coach Felipe Scolari will still be giving a lot of respect to this encounter as he looks to gel a young squad champions like those of yesteryears.
On the other side, Italian coach Cesare Prandelli has been secretive about revealing his tactics to the press, in order to avoid giving any sort of advantage to his next opponents. Whatever the preparations are, we can expect a cracker at Geneva as two teams with histories decorated with achievements, and squads fuelled by young blood, take on each other.
Between them, Brazil and Italy have won 9 World cups and are the two most successful teams in this competition.
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this clash is that both teams are looking to build a solid foundation for the decade ahead, as they inject fresh talent into their respective squads.
Brazil’s flair on the football field is one of the most awe-inspiring things to see in modern sports. Throughout its history, the nation has managed to produce top-quality players who have followed the philosophy of an effective attacking style of play. The trend has continued into the 21st century as Brazil continues producing one of the most attractive players in world football.
At the heart of its defense sits the 6 ft 2 inch tall vice-captain David Luiz, whose superb performances playing for Chelsea are enough proof of his exceptional defensive qualities. His Chelsea team-mate, the 21-year old Oscar, was part of the Brazilian squad that won the Olympic silver in 2012. He too has a great following amongst football fans and has contributed 16 assists for the Blues this season.
Another Brazilian talent, Neymar, was awarded the South American Footballer of the Year in both 2011 and 2012 and is currently being tracked by the biggest teams in Europe. Other notable names are Paulinho and PSG winter signing Lucas Moura.
To assume that the Italians are lacking behind when it comes to new talent would be an obvious mistake.
Italy has the services of the unavoidable striker Mario Balotteli, who is on an amazing goal scoring streak since joining AC Milan in January. It also has the mercurial El Sharaawy whose impact in the AC Milan squad is secret to none. In Sebastian Giovinco, Italy has a youngster who can play in various attacking roles and is well-reputed for his dribbling and play-making skills. He was an important member of the Italy U-21 team and will now be looking to make a lasting impact in the senior team as well.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti is being prepared to replace the maestro Andres Pirlo. However, Verratti has not been included in the side that will be facing Brazil tonight.
All in all, we can expect a thrilling encounter in Geneva tonight.
On the other side, Italian coach Cesare Prandelli has been secretive about revealing his tactics to the press, in order to avoid giving any sort of advantage to his next opponents. Whatever the preparations are, we can expect a cracker at Geneva as two teams with histories decorated with achievements, and squads fuelled by young blood, take on each other.
Between them, Brazil and Italy have won 9 World cups and are the two most successful teams in this competition.
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this clash is that both teams are looking to build a solid foundation for the decade ahead, as they inject fresh talent into their respective squads.
Brazil’s flair on the football field is one of the most awe-inspiring things to see in modern sports. Throughout its history, the nation has managed to produce top-quality players who have followed the philosophy of an effective attacking style of play. The trend has continued into the 21st century as Brazil continues producing one of the most attractive players in world football.
At the heart of its defense sits the 6 ft 2 inch tall vice-captain David Luiz, whose superb performances playing for Chelsea are enough proof of his exceptional defensive qualities. His Chelsea team-mate, the 21-year old Oscar, was part of the Brazilian squad that won the Olympic silver in 2012. He too has a great following amongst football fans and has contributed 16 assists for the Blues this season.
Another Brazilian talent, Neymar, was awarded the South American Footballer of the Year in both 2011 and 2012 and is currently being tracked by the biggest teams in Europe. Other notable names are Paulinho and PSG winter signing Lucas Moura.
To assume that the Italians are lacking behind when it comes to new talent would be an obvious mistake.
Italy has the services of the unavoidable striker Mario Balotteli, who is on an amazing goal scoring streak since joining AC Milan in January. It also has the mercurial El Sharaawy whose impact in the AC Milan squad is secret to none. In Sebastian Giovinco, Italy has a youngster who can play in various attacking roles and is well-reputed for his dribbling and play-making skills. He was an important member of the Italy U-21 team and will now be looking to make a lasting impact in the senior team as well.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti is being prepared to replace the maestro Andres Pirlo. However, Verratti has not been included in the side that will be facing Brazil tonight.
All in all, we can expect a thrilling encounter in Geneva tonight.
