Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium Sunday, June 21st 2009 Kick-Off:19:30

Italy and Brazil go head to head in Pretoria on Sunday live on BBC with the possibility that one of the football giants could wave goodbye to the Confederations Cup.

After labouring to a 3-1 win over ten-man USA, Italy appeared to be in the driving seat to qualify for the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup. But, as usual, the Azzurri proved unable to cruise through the group stage of an international competition without slipping on the classic banana skin.

Marcello Lippi's men committed hara-kiri against a very organized Egypt side that had already given Brazil a big scare, only succumbing to a late Kaka penalty in a 4-3 thriller. Once again, the World Champions looked devoid of ideas and struggled to create clear-cut chances in a dismal first half. And the Egyptians made the most of Italy's familiar defensive frailties, which were exposed again when Homos was allowed to leap, undisturbed by markers, to head home a corner. Despite some late huffing and puffing, Italy were hopelessly unable to break down the Egyptians and now risk an early exit from the competition.

The Azzurri's loss to Egypt on Thursday means Group B will go to the wire, with all four teams still in with a mathematical chance of reaching the semi-finals. Italy's fate is still in their own hands - beat Brazil by two clear goals and the Azzurri are through. It is a tall order against a Selecao side in ruthless form against the USA.

A one-goal win would not be enough if Egypt beat the USA by a bigger margin (barring a high-scoring narrow Italian win such as 4-3 or 5-4). A draw will only be enough for Italy if Egypt fail to win. A victory for the USA would probably mean Italy go through even if they lose to Brazil, because of the Americans' inferior goal difference.

Italy though have not beaten Brazil since Paolo Rossi's hat-trick at the 1982 World Cup but anything other than victory in Pretoria will leave the world champions at risk of an early exit.

Brazil meanwhile, are not yet through but a point will guarantee they progress as group winners, therefore avoiding Spain in the semi-finals. After a topsy-turvy debut against Egypt, the Selecao steamrollered the USA on Thursday in a 3-0 win which virtually booked their place in the semi-finals of the competition.

Carlos Dunga's troops made light work of the Americans and took a two-goal lead within 20 minutes through Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo and Manchester City striker Robinho. Inter wing-back Maicon, who played his first full match since suffering a muscular injury last March, rounded off the result in spectacular fashion in the second half after exchanging passes with new Real Madrid signing Kaka.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi is expected to make several changes with the Azzurri in real danger of elimination if they fail to beat Brazil.

Targetman Luca Toni could be recalled while Gennaro Gattuso's place is under threat after his lacklustre display in the 1-0 defeat by Egypt.

Brazil coach Dunga must choose between Dani Alves and Maicon, who impressed at right-back in the win against the USA. Roma defender Juan sat out the match against the USA, but should return to the starting XI, while Robinho and Luis Fabiano will continue upfront with Kaka in support.

Summary

If the Italy team that played in their opening two games turns up then the Brazilians should prove too strong for the World Champions. Brazil are scoring plenty of goals at the moment and if Italy are to win here they will have to defend better than they did when conceding the goal against Eygypt.

Dave's Prediction:

Brazil 2 Italy 1 @ 9.50 with SportingBet