Italy v Brazil, 22 June 2013

Kick-off: 4.00pm local (8.00pm BST) Match Report In the first minutes Brazil came flying out of the traps. A loose pass from Italy lead to an early chance for Fred who was thwarted by a last ditch Chiellini tackle. Hulk was also denied by Buffon. The match soon settled into a scrappy pattern. Italy were forced to make two changes before the half hour as Montolivo and Abate went off injured. An uneventful period ended when Brazil edged ahead just before the break. A free kick curled in by Neymar, which raised questions of offside, was headed at Buffon by Fred then put in on the rebound by Dante. The Italians were level against the run of play just after the break. A long ball downfield by Buffon was beautifully flicked on by Balotelli into the path of Giaccerini who finished. It was not long until Brazil retook the lead. Neymar was tripped just outside the area and won a free kick. He stepped up himself to curl into the far corner. Balotelli had a powerful long ranged free kick beaten away. He then claimed to be pulled down by Dante in the box only for nothing to be given. Brazil opened up a two goal lead through Fred. The Brazilian striker held off Chiellini brilliantly then smashed into the roof of the net. Chellini then pulled one back for Italy. The centre back scrambled home from a corner despite the referee controversially seeming to blow his whistle before the ball was in the net. Maggio came close to an equaliser when his header crashed against the bar. Balotelli also went close but the equaliser did not come. Fred wrapped it up for Brazil. He pounced on the rebound after a Marcelo shot. Despite scrappy periods, there were plenty of goals for the crowd to enjoy. Brazil will be happy to have avoided Spain in the next round although will know that they still have some way to go in order to each the World Champion's level. Preview Despite both having already secured qualification from the group stage, Italy and Brazil will both be determined to grab first place in order to avoid a semi final against Spain. Brazil have the upper hand in that a draw would see them top the group. Italian forward Giovinco will be hoping to be rewarded with a start after he hit the winner against Japan. He will likely come in for Aquilani, the man he replaced after half an hour against Japan. With De Ross suspended and Pirlo having picked up a knock, Prandelli will have to bring in reinforcements in midfield. For Brazil, David Luiz and Paulinho are both doubtful with a broken nose and sprained ankle respectively. It remains to be seen whether Scolari or Prandelli will opt to rest some key players. A semi final is potentially just four days away.