Preview: Italy V Brazil

السبت، 20 يونيو 2009 - 22:56

كتب : Amro Hassan

Lippi's Italy needs a win

World champions Italy will have the toughest task when they take on Brazil in their final Confederations Cup group game on Sunday.

After beating USA 3-1 in their opening game, the Azzuri succumbed to their first defeat to an African team when they were humbled 1-0 by the continent's champions Egypt.

Tied on three points with the Pharaohs behind leaders Brazil, Marcello Lippi's men now need to beat the five-time world champions to salvage any chances of making the semis.

"We've simply got to win against Brazil. We will try to take the initiative," Lippi said after the Egypt defeat.

Despite collecting six points from two games, Brazil are still not guaranteed a place in the next phase as they need to secure a point or lose and wait for other teams' results.

"For Brazil the motivation is always to finish first," former world player of the year Kaka confirms.

"Brazil against Italy is an international classic. They have to win [after their loss to Egypt] and that will give them special motivation," he adds.

Italian changes

The Egypt loss has prompted Italian media to demand changes within their squad for the clash against Brazil.

Lippi has already called up a number of newcomers for the Confederations Cup but the former Juventus boss is yet to fully deploy any of them.

After coming on to score twice against USA, Giuseppe Rossi was the only new face to start against Egypt. Winger Simone Pepe was introduced in the second half.

However, Italy's Saturday training session witnessed the trial of some formations that included Inter young full-back Davide Santon as well as Liverpool's Andrea Dossena.

The pair, alongside Fiorentina's Ricardo Montolivo could play some part against Brazil.

Brazil coach Carlos Dunga is not likely to make changes to the team that started against Egypt and USA.

Brazil and Italy met each other 13 times, where the Selecao won six and Italy won five.

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