FIFA Confederations Cup 2013: Brazil vs. Italy - Key Battles

8 matches and 36 goals later, we are closing in on the much awaited match of the group stages of this year’s Confederations Cup. Tournament hosts Brazil, who have performed exceptionally well in the 2 previous games, take on an Italian side, which have not been very convincing against either Mexico or Japan. Here are the 4 key battles of the game which could determine its outcome.

Marchisio vs. Oscar

With Daniele de Rossi suspended for the game, Cesare Prandelli might have to trust Claudio Marchisio with the duty of breaking down any Brazilian attack. Marchisio, who possess defensive qualities as well, prefers to play in the central midfield position where he has the freedom to switch between attack and defence. Prandelli doesn’t have many players who can fill de Rossi’s shoes and so he may choose Marchisio, who can help the team with both attack as well as defence. Marchisio’s main job will be to keep 21-yr old Chelsea midfielder Oscar under a tight leash. The Brazilian midfielder has been the focal point of almost every Brazilian attack in this competition and has terrorized opposition defence with his pace, through balls and sleek passing. If Marchisio and co. are able to keep Oscar and Paulinho quiet, there is some hope of Italy salvaging something from the game.

Andrea Pirlo vs. Luis Gustavo

One thing that can be observed from Italy’s matches against Japan and Mexico is that Pirlo has been instrumental in setting up goals as well as scoring them. The 34-yr-old Juventus midfielder with his vision and pin-point passing has played a pivotal role in Italy’s campaign. To minimize Italy’s threat Brazil should assign a player specifically to keep the Italian midfield maestro quiet throughout the game.

Fortunately, they have a certain defensive midfielder by the name of Luis Gustavo in their squad who does possess the capability to nullify any attack. Gustavo has had a fair tournament so far but hasn’t really been tested in the 2 previous games. Pirlo and Gustavo had previously come face to face in last year’s Champions League quarter finals where the Brazilian performed magnificently well and didn’t allow Pirlo the space to move freely. The outcome of this battle will give a fair idea about Italy’s performance.

Neymar vs Chiellini

This is by far the most important battle of the game. Neymar has had an outstanding tournament, scoring 2 magnificent goals and setting up one. With his pace, dribbling, and excellent shooting capabilities Neymar terrorized both Japanese as well as Mexican defence. The one good quality about him that gives defenders a tough time is his quick movement off the ball. He keeps on switching between the roles of attacking midfielder, winger and striker that makes marking him difficult. Chiellini being the most experienced Italian defender will be given the responsibility to keep Neymar quiet. He should make sure that Neymar isn’t given the opportunity to make runs behind the Italian defence because that’s what he uses his tremendous pace for.

If Italy were to nullify any Brazilian attack they have a simple formula for it. Make it hard for Neymar to play his natural game. It is as simple as that.

Mario Balotelli vs Thiago Silva

Unlike Brazil, which deploys a 4-3-3 formation, Italy prefers to go for a 4-5-1 formation as a result of which a huge chunk of responsibility to score falls on the shoulders of the 22-yr old AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli. Balotelli has had a good Confederations Cup campaign with Italy scoring a penalty in their first game against Mexico. Balotelli though not as technically gifted as his counterpart Neymar, is credited with pace and strength.

Facing him will be Brazilian captain Thiago Silva who has been instrumental at the back in the competition. Frankly speaking Balotelli’s chances against a defender of the quality of Silva looks bleak but one can never underestimate “Super Mario” who on his day does possess the capability to give any defender a hard time managing him.