MATCH OF THE DAQ previews Brazil v Italy (Confederations Cup, K.O 20.00, BBC 3)
Almost a year to the day Brazil met Italy in this competition, the Confederations Cup, and thumped them 3-0 in South Africa on the way to picking up successive wins in this tournament. It’s unlikely to be as one-sided tonight, though, with both teams looking fairly equal.
Brazil v Italy
Confederations Cup
K.O 20.00, BBC 3
HEAD TO HEAD
(Max last 10 only)
21 Mar 2013 Friendly, Italy 2:2 Brazil
21 Jun 2009 Confederations Cup, Brazil 3:0 Italy
10 Feb 2009 Friendly, Brazil 2:0 Italy
08 Jun 1997 Italy 3:3 Brazil
17 Jul 1994 World Cup, Brazil 0:0 a.e.t. 3:2 PSO Italy
14 Oct 1989 Friendly, Italy 0:1 Brazil
05 Jul 1982 World Cup, Italy 3:2 Brazil
24 Jun 1978 World Cup Brazil 2:1 Italy
31 May 1976 Friendly, Italy 1:4 Brazil
09 Jun 1973 Friendly Italy 2:0 Brazil
PREVIEW
Almost a year to the day Brazil met Italy in this competition, the Confederations Cup, and thumped them 3-0 in South Africa on the way to picking up successive wins in this tournament. It’s unlikely to be as one-sided tonight, though, with both teams looking fairly equal.
They meet having both won their two games so far over Japan and Mexico, but the way the Italians struggled to see off Japan – having to come from 2-0 down to limp home 4-3 – suggests on a collateral line of form that the hosts, who eased past them 3-0, are worthy favourites.
Both Mario Balotelli and Neymar have been making headlines with important goals in both their teams’ games in Group A and the pair look set for leading roles once more.
Brazil came into this tournament ranked 22nd in the world and, although they are not as bad as their worst ever rating makes them appear, they are hardly a vintage Samba Boys team. Italy were poor for large periods against the Japanese but in a Andrea Pirlo and the enigmatic Balotelli they have real class. Sadly Pirlo has been ruled out of this clash to give the Azzurri a real blow.
Even so, you’d be brave taking Brazil at around 1.65 on BETDAQ and the best bet is surely over 2.5 goals at around 1.96 on BETDAQ. None of Brazil’s last six games have featured less than three goals.
RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back over 2.5 goals at around 1.97 on BETDAQ: 4 points
Friday: -3.00 points
JUNE RETURN TO DATE: +13.60 points
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