FIFA Confederations Cup 2013: Top five players to look out for when Brazil meet Italy

The outstanding fixture of Group A in the Confederations Cup between Italy and Brazil will be contested at the Arena Fonte Nova on Saturday. It is perhaps best for the competition that both the teams have secured their semi-final berths already with two victories against Mexico and Japan. This game will allow both the teams an opportunity to test themselves against a quality opposition before going into the business end of the tournament. On the other hand, both teams will be aware of the fact that it is not an inconsequential match. Italy and Brazil would not want to meet Spain before the finals, and hence topping the group will be a priority.

Brazil come into this game without having conceded any goal in the previous two matches. They have not been flawless, but have had their positives. Their formation looks settled and not much tinkering with the playing XI will be required. Neymar has hit a purple patch and is in goal-scoring form. On the other hand, Italy suffered at the hands of Japan for the most part in their rather fortunate 4-3 win. Cesare Prandelli looks unsure of the balance of his team as he started with Alberto Aquilani in the game against Japan, but withdrew him soon after. Italy’s worn out legs will be thoroughly tested against the youth of the Selecao.

Here is a list of five players who will be critical to the eventual result of the fixture:

5. Andrea Pirlo

The Italian architect would usually find a place much higher in this list, but his stellar performance against Mexico was followed by a damp squib against Japan. He failed to dictate the pace of the game for Italy and looked out of sorts. He was slow on the ball and even worse off it. The Japanese midfielders disrupted his distribution and he looked his age on the day, which is an ominous sign for Italy. He will have a major task on hand against the likes of Spain and Brazil, who will not allow him to slow down the tempo of the game.