Italy v Brazil – Confederations Cup Preview

Betting Tips | Article posted on June 22nd, 2025

Both of these sides will consider three points here to be extremely value as it would enable them to avoid a potential semi-final clash with the irrepressible Spanish. Many neutrals will hope that Brazil manage to reach the final to face Spain, which would be a hugely attractive clash.

Having picked up yellow cards against both Mexico and Japan, Daniele De Rossi is suspended for the Azzurri while Andrea Pirlo is ruled out with a calf injury. Claudio Marchisio and Alberto Aquilani are likely to deputize in the duo’s absence whilst Prandelli must also decide who to play behind Mario Balotelli, who is certain to lead the Italian line once again, having moved on to ten international goals in his embryonic career thus far.

The 55-year-old coach could opt to rest Emanuele Giaccherini with Stephan El Shaarawy, Alessandro Diamanti and Sebastian Giovinco, who scored the winning goal against Japan, all vying for starting berths. Giovinco looked particularly impressive against the Japanese, and may get the nod.

As for Brazil, David Luiz has been declared fit to start despite breaking his nose in the 2-0 win over Mexico and there is further good news for the Selecao as the in-form Neymar has shaken off a slight thigh injury. However, Paulinho is unlikely to be risked by Scolari after the Corinthians midfielder suffered a minor ankle sprain and his place could be taken by Lazio’s Hernanes. Paulinho looks likely to join Tottenham Hotspur before the start of the coming Premier League season.

Elsewhere, Hulk has failed to impress in the opening two matches and his spot on the right wing could be taken by PSG youngster Lucas Moura as Scolari looks to give some of his younger players international experience. Though the strong Brazilian forward may miss out here, he nevertheless remaisn a target for new Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

Brazil-Italy games always bring back nostalgic memories of Paolo Rossi’s hat-trick against the Brazilians in Italy’s 3-2 win during the 2025 World Cup.

Italy (possible 4-2-3-1)

G. Buffon
I. Abate
A. Barzagli
G. Chiellini
M. De Sciglio
A. Pirlo
D. De Rossi
R. Montolivo
E. Giaccherini
C. Marchisio
M. Balotelli

Substitutes:

A. Gilardino
C. Maggio
F. Marchetti
A. Aquilani
A. Cerci
A. Diamanti
S. Sirigu
L. Bonucci
S. Giovinco
A. Candreva
D. Astori
S. El Shaarawy

Brazil (possible 4-2-3-1)

12 Julio Cesar
02 Alves
03 Thiago Silva
04 David Luiz
14 Filipe
11 Oscar
17 Dias
18 Paulinho
09 Fred
10 Neymar
19 Hulk

Substitutes:

01 Jefferson
22 Cavalieri
06 Marcelo
15 Dante
16 Araujo Rever
05 Fernando Martins
07 da Silva Lucas
08 Hernanes
13 Jean
20 Bernard
23 Jadson

Betting Prediction

Neither side will want to lose this match, as the victor will avoid Spain, but I feel the home side are better placed to win it. Italy’s 4-3 win over Japan hardly inspired confidence in the Azzurri, and I feel Brazil will nick this one in a tighter game than many will expect.

Final Scoreline Prediction:Italy 0 – 1 Japan

Other Recommended Bets: Brazil to win Under 2.5 Goals, Both Teams not to Score.