Five things we learned from Brazil's 4-2 win over Italy

Italy’s rearguard has made for an engaging Confederations Cup, with the Azzurri ending the group stage having shipped eight goals in three games. Brazil accounted for four of those goals in an exciting 4-2 win over the Italians, who, in all likelihood, will now face Spain in the semifinals.

The football on display was of high order and there was plenty to take away from the game.

Brazil’s high workrate

The Brazilians did not give the Italians much space to work with

Hardworking is not the first word that comes to mind when we talk of Brazil. But Scolari has got this team working hard; and in that sense it shows that the man is very much in touch with modern football. Neymar, after receiving a yellow card for a swipe at Abate in the first half, committed three fouls in the second half while attempting to win the ball back – a sign of how even the most talented player on the pitch has to help out the team when not in possession. Oscar and Hulk were just as impressive, hounding the Italians and forcing them into errors. They pressed as a unit, and the Italians gave away possession on countless occasions. The home side committed 27 fouls in their attempts to break up play, as compared to 18 by the Italians.