Italy needs victory against Brazil in Confed Cup

CENTURION, South Africa (AP) - Struggling Italy meets an upbeat Brazilian team Sunday in a decisive Group B match that could send the loser home from the Confederations Cup.
Italy needs a victory by two goals to secure a spot in the semifinals without depending on the match between the United States and Egypt, while a draw will be enough for the Brazilians.
Italy is coming off a disappointing 1-0 loss to Egypt. Brazil appears to be hitting its stride after a dominating 3-0 win over the United States.
The match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria is one of the most anticipated in the eight-team competition in South Africa, pitting two title favorites against each other. European champion Spain is the other top contender in the tournament, which is being used as a World Cup warmup.
"It's a world classic," Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva said. "Regardless of the teams' situation, it's going to be a very heated match."
Brazil has six points, three more than world champion Italy and Egypt. The United States has yet to earn a point and is virtually eliminated. Italy can advance with a draw if Egypt fails to beat the Americans in Rustenburg, but the Italians are confident they can overcome the Brazilians.
"Brazil is certainly in better form in terms of skill and ball control, but I think we're in better form physically right now, and when two teams like that meet I always pick the one in better physical form," Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said.
The Italians have been downplaying the importance of the Confederations Cup and blaming injuries for the team's disappointing performances, and the match against Brazil is seen as another test ahead of next year's World Cup.
"The most important thing to me is that we at least show we're capable of playing with these big teams," Buffon said. "Whether we win, draw or lose, or advance or not, is less important. Now if we lose by a large margin, that would mean we're very far behind schedule, but I don't think that will happen."
The Group B winner will likely avoid a semifinal encounter with Spain, but Buffon said that's not a concern for Italy either.
"Italy is capable of beating Brazil, Spain and Brazil again," Buffon said. "Yes, not just once, but twice."

Before losing to Egypt, Italy had to erase a 1-0 deficit in a 3-1 win against a 10-man U.S. team in its opener.
Brazil enters the match boosted by a solid performance against the United States, when it improved defensively and offensively from the sloppy 4-3 opening victory over Egypt.
"It's natural that we are getting better game after game," Kaka said. "And as the games are becoming more important, we will be playing better."
Defending champion Brazil will be eliminated only if its loses to Italy by two goals and Egypt beats the United States by at least three goals.
Brazil coach Dunga made four changes for the match against the United States to rest the regular starers and give opportunities to some of the reserves, and said he is likely to make more substitutions against Italy.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi also is likely to alter his lineup, mostly on defense and at midfield. Captain Fabio Cannavaro, who decided to stay in South Africa despite the death of his grandfather, could match Paolo Maldini's record of 126 national team appearances.
It will be the first match between the rivals since a 2-0 win for Brazil in a friendly in London in February. The team's have never faced each other in the Confederations Cup.
Sunday's match will take place on the same date as the 1970 World Cup final in which the Brazilians - led by Pele - came out victorious 4-1. Brazil also defeated Italy in a penalty shootout in the 1994 World Cup final.
"It's a match between two great teams and you never know what's going to happen," Dunga said.