Italy v Brazil Confederations Cup Prediction 22nd June 2013

Italy v Brazil Betting Preview
Although both sides have already booked their passage through to the semi finals of the 2013 Confederations Cup, there is still importance on this game. While this is a scrap for top spot in Group A, there is a big prize attached to that. The winner will likely avoid having to play Spain in the semi finals, and therefore chances of reaching the final for these two will be increased. Both Brazil and Italy have won their opening group matches heading to Salvador to face off. Can Italy get the win they need against the host nation?

Italy v Brazil Betting Odds at online bookmaker Paddy Power
Brazil 8/13, Draw 14/5, Italy 9/2

Online bookmaker Promotion
There is the promise of goals in this one, with both sides looking pretty dangerous going forward, so it’ll be worth looking at online betting site Paddy Power and their Brazil v Italy Money Back Special. If there are more than 3 goals scored in this match, then the bookie will refund all losing First Goalscorer, Last Goalscorer, Correct Score and Scorecast single bets placed on the game! There is up to a free £25 bet available for new customers registering an account with Paddy Power, as the bookie will match the value of your first stake on a new account.

Italy v Brazil Recommended Bet:
There has been some brilliant play from Neymar, who has been something of an inspirational figure up front for the host nation. After a goal drought for his country, he has come to life and scored a spectacular goal against both Japan and Mexico. The new Barcelona man is certainly a match winner and while Brazil have looked pretty good, and have answered many questions raised about them because of dodgy form heading into the tournament, they haven’t looked real world beaters yet. There is a problem in midfield for them, where they could be exposed at some point. Still, they opened with a 3-0 win over Japan and followed it up with a 2-0 win over Mexico, with late goals in both games inflating the score lines. There has to be positives from the fact that Julio Cesar hasn’t had anything to do between the sticks so far. So perhaps Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men are on the right track, and they are enjoying things in front of their own fans.

Brazil are holding top spot in Group A thanks to their defence and holding a superior goal difference over Italy. It means they can hold on for a draw to get through, whereas Italy have to come out and get a win in order to finish top of the group. This should be a pretty open game because of that and the Italians are capable of pulling off a result here. The Azzurri were very well controlled in their opening win over Mexico and they responded well when on the ropes against Japan. Italy found themselves 2-0 down against the Japanese, before fighting back to take the lead at 3-2. After Japan had tied things up at 3-3 Italy looked as if they had missed their chance, before they were rescued by Mario Balotelli, who has looked excellent up front for the Europeans.

Cesare Prandelli’s men have a very good style about them and there is no reason why they couldn’t match up well against Brazil. Like the Brazilians, Italy are heading in the right direction and this is a great decider that is fitting for their final match of the Group. Italy have a good game plan, and like to press opposition high up the pitch and the Brazilians won’t be used to being put under intense pressure. Italy are also quick on the break like Brazil are too. The South Americans perhaps have the individual flair but that is balanced out by Italy’s superb team ethic. It could be a classic. Good value in the Anytime Goalscorer market with Neymar at Evens and Balotelli at 2/1 with online betting site Paddy Power

Form
Italy WWDDWW, Brazil WDDWWW

The Italy v Brazil head to head makes for some very interesting reading, because gap between them is pretty narrow. There have been fifteen meetings between the two nations before, and Brazil just have the ascendancy 7-5. In those fifteen matches, Brazil have scored 26 goals to Italy’s 21. They have met in the Confederations Cup before, Italy losing 3-0 in a disastrous tournament four years ago. They have already played this year, drawing 2-2 in Geneva and it was a great comeback by Italy after being 2-0 down at half time.