Itlay Vs Brazil Preview

It has been 31 long years since Italy was able to defeat Brazil, but could the Azzurri change all that when they meet in Switzerland on Thursday?

Thursday's match will bring together two of the most successful countries the football world has ever seen. Between them, they have enjoyed nine World Cup Championships, making them the two most successful countries in the competition.
When you think of these two teams playing each other, it is difficult to not remember the historic match in the 1994 World Cup, when Roberto Baggio missed a penalty kick. During the World Cup of 1982 in Spain, the two sides also met in what is considered to be one of the most entertaining matches of all time, with the Italians emerging victorious, making that their last victory over the South Americans.
On Thursday, although it will be a friendly, fans around the world will gather to see these two football giants meet.
Brazilian fans will be hoping that they can get a better result than they did the last time out against England. A 2-1 defeat to the Three Lions left Luiz Felipe Scolari scratching his head as to what he needs to do to get his side playing at the top level.
It goes without saying that Brazil has an infinite amount of talent available, but getting all that talent to operate as a team is what they have found to be extremely difficult.
Kaka's return to the Canarinha had many Brazilians happy, and on Thursday, he will get another chance to prove that he deserves a spot in the 2014 World Cup squad.  On the negative side of things, Brazil will be without PSG's Lucas Moura who withdrew due to an injury, as well as Paulinho and Chelsea's Ramires.
Their opponents will be up against history and they will need to do it without Juventus center-back Giorgio Chiellini, who is out due to an ankle injury. With his absence, Andrea Ranocchia could get a chance to feature in the starting XI. Cesare Prandelli will likely start AC Milan's Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy in the Italian offense. The two have enjoyed success at the club level, with Balotelli really making his mark at the club since his arrival from Manchester City. 

Italy's Latest Results

09-07-12 Bulgaria 2-2 Italy
09-11-12 Italy 2-0 Malta
10-12-12 Armenia 1-3 Italy
10-16-12 Italy 3-1 Denmark
11-14-12 Italy 1-2 France
02-06-13 Netherlands 1-1 Italy

Brazil's Latest Results

09-19-12 Brazil 2-1 Argentina
10-11-12 Brazil 6-0 Iraq
10-16-12 Japan 0-4 Brazil
11-14-12 Brazil 1-1 Colombia
11-21-12 Argentina 2-1 (3-4 PSO) Brazil
02-06-13 England 2-1 Brazil

Prediction

The teams of old with the likes of Dunga, Romario and Ronaldo all knew what putting on that uniform meant, and they made sure that every time they went out on the pitch, they represented their country to the fullest. A number of years later, football has changed drastically, including the mentality of players.

In today's game, you would think that players are more interested in themselves and their image, than they are in the collective results. The amount of players putting themselves above their country and their teammates could be just one of Brazil's problems, but if there is anyone who can fix this issue, it is Scolari. He has already had a successful stint in charge of his country, so it does not appear as if things will be different this time around. If anything, the players should be even more motivated considering the World Cup will be in their country. Getting back on track and earning positive results can start on Thursday against an Italian side who has not been all that bad over their last six matches.The old Italian way of resolute defending has slowly evaporated from the Azzurri since Prandelli arrived. He is trying to implement offensive football within the side, but it is clearly leaving the Italians vulnerable at the back. 

From their last six matches, Italy has only managed one cleansheet, and that came against Malta in a 2-0 victory in Modena. Other than that match, they have conceded at least one goal in every match, something that will have Brazil confident that they can grab a few goals on Thursday.Generally in a friendly match both teams will go through the motions, not wanting to pick up any injuries, but this could be an exception. Even if it is just a friendly, a victory for the Italians could give them some confidence, while the Brazilians would love to keep their positive streak alive.
Italy 2-2 Brazil