The Italians looked set and comfortable in their 2-1 defeat of Mexico in
the first match of group play, but against Japan they quickly found
themselves in for a serious fight. Japan came out attacking and stole an
early lead of 2-0 by the 33' before Italy successfully countered with 3
quick goals before and after the half-time mark. Japan found an
equalizer just 15 minutes later but Juventus striker Sebastian Giovinco
secured the win with a late finish. Italy will not relish a repeat of
the Euro 2012 final and should give their best to win here and delay a
Spanish rematch until at least the final.Unlike the Italians, the Brazilians routinely carried out the job in the
first two rounds, and after a victory over Japan with 3-0 they defeated
Mexico with 2-0, and being the first in the Group A are waiting for the
great derby against Italy. It in fact means that a draw would suit them
to, so we can expect a more cautious game compared to one displayed in
the first two matches, especially as they know that Italy’s greatest
strength lies in the midfield. But on the other hand, they play in front
of their fans, so in every game they have imperative to win which
forced coach Scolari to announce that he will change nothing in the
first team. In the past two matches Neymar, a new member of Barcelona,
has particularly distinguished himself who in addition of scoring two
goals has assisted in two others, so the Italians will certainly pay a
due attention to him in this match. On the other hand, the Brazil’s last
line was impressive in the first two rounds, and it is the only one
that has not yet received a goal in the Confederations Cup, which is
certainly an encouraging fact ahead of this Saturday’s match.
Brazil vs Italy:
Football: 2013 Confederations Cup, Group A
Match date: 22 June 2013 - Kick Off Time: 21:00 CET
Football: 2013 Confederations Cup, Group A
Match date: 22 June 2013 - Kick Off Time: 21:00 CET
Venue: Arena Fonte Nova
Possible line-ups:
Brazil: Julio Cesar – Dani Alves, David Luiz, Thiago Silva, Marcelo – Paulinho, Luiz Gustavo – Hulk, Oscar, Neymar – Fred.
Italy: Buffon – Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Sciglio –De Rossi, Pirlo, Montolivo, Marchisio – Balotelli, Giovinco.
The channels showing the match:
Turkish TRT 1, stv 2 Slovak, Swiss SF2, German ZDF, Italian Sky Sport 1, Alfa TV, RTE One, Alfa Sports 2, ORF 1, RTS 1, Al Jazeera Sports +9.
Watch the match here
Live score here