Italy will be hoping to beat the Selecao for the first time in over 30 years. With both sides having already sealed a place in the last four of the competition, Cesare Prandelli would be looking to see his side do well against the hosts whose performances have been nothing short of spectacular so far in the tournament.
In their first game, Italy quite professionally dispatched a rather uninspired Mexican side 2-0 before beating reigning Asian champions Japan 4-3 in one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament.
However, Prandelli would be hoping for his defenders to be at the top of their game against a Brazilian attack that is quite lethal and is built to score goals.
After good performances in the opening two games, Brazil will be looking to keep their excellent record against the Italians intact. And with the recent protests in Brazil gathering more momentum, the Selecao would still be hoping for the fans to be behind them in what is possibly their toughest encounter of the tournament so far.
Brazil have been excellent in the tournament so far. In the first game, Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men outclassed Japan 3-0 before beating Mexico 2-0. In both games, star striker Neymar scored the opening goals and the new Barcelona signing would be looking to do that again when he faces Italy on Saturday.
Team news
Italy will be without the services of Daniele De Rossi after the Roma star was cautioned in the opening two games. Meanwhile Andrea Pirlo, who scored Italy’s first goal of the competition, will be forced to watch the game from the stands after the Juventus star picked up a calf injury during the game against Mexico.
After scoring for his side at the death, Sebastian Giovinco could be rewarded with his first start of the tournament. And if he is given the chance, the Juventus man will pair up with Mario Balotelli who a few days back, was urged by the manager to change his ways.
Despite bruising his nose during the 2-0 win over Mexico after a collision with teammate Thiago Silva, David Luiz has been declared fit to play. Neymar has managed to overcome a slight thigh injury. However, Paulinho is unlikely to feature in the game after he suffered a minor ankle sprain. The Corinthians man is likely to be replaced by Lazio star Hernanes.
Hulk failed to impress in the opening two games which means that Paris Saint-Germain winger, Lucas Moura could be given a chance.
Mario Balotelli will be Italy’s man to watch out for, the AC Milan striker has the ability to rally Italy towards victory when he is the mood. However, at his worst, the striker is an accident waiting to happen and Prandelli would be hoping that this is not the case when he plays against the Brazilians.
Neymar will be hoping to continue his fine form after an impressive display against Mexico , jury is still out on the youngster following his transfer to Barcelona but Neymar has started showing just why he is held in such high regard in South America. His electrifying pace, dribbling skills and ability to score outrageous goals has already been witnessed in this tournament and it would be quite interesting to see how this new Brazilian phenomena fares against seasoned professionals from Europe.
Head to Head
Mar 21, 2013 – Italy 2-2 Brazil
Jun 21, 2009 – Italy 0-3 Brazil
Feb 10, 2009 – Brazil 2-0 Italy
Last five matches
Italy
Jun 19, 2013 – Italy 4-3 Mexico
Jun 16, 2013 – Mexico 1-2 Italy
Jun 11, 2013 – Italy 2-2 Haiti
Jun 7, 2013 – Czech Rep. 0-0 Italy
Mar 31, 2013 – Italy 4-0 San Marino
Brazil
Jun 19, 2013 – Brazil 2-0 Mexico
Jun 15, 2013 – Brazil 3-0 Japan
Jun 9, 2013 – Brazil 3-0 France
Jun 2, 2013 – Brazil 2-2 England
Apr 25, 2013 – Brazil 2-2 Chile
Prediction
Although Italy have been very entertaining so far this tournament, their real test begins now and their performance against a tough Brazilian side will define their real credentials. The absence of Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi is quite a setback and it would be up to Claudio Marchisio to take the burden of the midfield and orchestrate attacks. However, with the way Brazil have been playing, Italy may find it hard without their two midfield mainstays.
The last time Italy beat Brazil was way back in the 1982 World Cup and it looks like that they will have to wait a little while longer to break this jinx.
Italy 1-2 Brazil
