Brazil, Italy Bid To Avoid Spain Trap

[Folami David]

Brazil and Italy will be battling to avoid the daunting likelihood of a semifinal against world champions Spain when they meet in Salvador on Saturday to contest top spot in Confederations Cup Group A.
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Both sides secured places in the last four with a game to spare, Brazil after a Neymar-inspired 2-0 defeat of Mexico, Italy following a nail-biting 4-3 success against Japan.
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With Spain three points clear in Group B, Brazil's superior goal difference means that Italy will probably have to win at the Arena Fonte Nova if they are to avoid Vicente del Bosque's side in the semifinals.
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Although Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said he would "probably keep the same team" for the Italy encounter, Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli suggested fitness concerns would force his own hand.
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Italy had just two full days to prepare for the Japan fixture, and after an energy-sapping, end-to-end encounter in Recife, Prandelli said his principle concern was allowing his players to recover.
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"We're focused on how many players we can get back. The match against Brazil is an important one, and we can't underestimate it," he said.
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"The problem is getting some of the physical freshness back. We need to be able to play the next match with the same levels of determination and fitness."
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Brazil were made to endure some nervous moments by Mexico before substitute Jo claimed a second goal in injury time at Fortaleza's Estadio Castelao, just as he had in the 3-0 victory over Japan.