Italy - Brazil Preview

Italy v Brazil

Sunday 21st June 2009,

Tshwane/Pretoria

Confederations Cup

Italy

Italy were defeated in a shock 1-0 result at the hands of Egypt on Thursday night.


The loss has meant that Italy current sit second in their Confederations Cup group with three points, trailing group leaders and upcoming opponents Brazil by three. However, only a one goal difference separates the Italians from Egypt, who also have three points after their win over the Azzurri.

Giuseppi Rossi is the team's current leading scorer with two goals, whilst Daniele de Rossi has also contributed with a goal.

Brazil

Brazil defeated the USA 3-0 in their last match to remain undefeated in the tournament so far.


As already mentioned, Brazil currently have six points, three points clear of second placed Italy and third placed Egypt in their Confederations Cup group. The Seleção have scored seven goals and conceded three so far in the tournament.

Kaka is the team's leading scorer with two goals, whilst Maicon, Juan, Robinho, Luis Fabiano, and Felipe Melo have all contributed one each.

Prediction

Brazil got off to a great start in their first match against Egypt, before having to rely on a last-minute Kaka penalty to triumph 4-3. However, their apparent weakness at the back was not on show against the US, with the Brazilians creating plenty of offensive chances whilst limiting the Americans for the most part of the match.

Italy, on the other hand, looked unconvincing against the USA, having to come from a goal down to triumph against a 10-man side. Their problems were further compounded after their upset at the hands of Egypt, who did incredibly well to match the Italians for most of the match and keep out any goals.

And so when the two footballing superpowers meet on Sunday, it would appear that Brazil will both field the superior team and hold the better form of the two sides.

Italy will likely need a win to progress through to the semi-finals, and so have much more to play for of the two teams. However, Brazil will still be on show and should prove an extremely formidable foe for the Italians to overcome, in what could very well be a thrilling and exciting Confederations Cup match.

Italy vs Brazil Prediction: Italy 1 - 2 Brazil

Read the complete preview with the BEST online betting markets and odds at the Italy vs Brazil Preview and Odds page now!