FIFA Confederations Cup 2013: Italy vs Mexico- Top five players to watch out for

Italy and Mexico will contest the second match of the Confederations Cup after a promising start to the competition on Saturday. The Azzurri have not beaten Mexico since their triumph at the World Cup in 1970, but hold the upper hand when the teams have gone head-to-head. Mexico, on the other hand, are experienced campaigners in the Confederations Cup, having won the tournament once when it was in its nascent stage in 1999, whereas Italy debuted as late as in the last edition of 2009. Both the teams have been struggling to find goal-scoring form in their recent games, but the occasion of a cup competition might ignite the much-needed fire in this tie.

Both sides have unpredictable players in their line-up who can hog the limelight as the Maracana opens its doors to the two teams. Mexico are likely to make a few changes to the side that played a dull draw against Costa Rica on Tuesday. El Tri will look to the experience of Javier Hernandez (25), Giovani dos Santos (24) and Andres Guardado (26) when they take on Euro 2012 runners up. On the other hand, Italy will bank upon their mercurial strikers from Milan. Here is a list of five players who can make a difference to the scoreline when the two sides take on each other.

5. Giovani Dos Santos

Dos Santos was in the news for the wrong reasons recently with his club Mallorca ‘kidnapping’ him, if the Mexico national side is to be believed, ahead of a friendly match against Nigeria. The 24-year-old would want to escape the negativity of that incident when he steps on to the field against Italy. His pace and his ability to perform multiple roles for his side makes him an asset. He is likely to replace Guadalajara striker Aldo de Negris in a tactical change which would see Mexico change to a 4-2-3-1 formation.  He has the tendency to get into critical goal-scoring positions, and can also provide assists for his teammates. His pace will be critical against the comparatively slower Italian side.