Italy to play BRAZIL

[D-Kin]

Brazil announce Italy clash Friday 4 July, 2008

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The Brazilian Football Federation have confirmed that Italy will face Brazil in a friendly on February 11, 2009.

Two of football’s superpowers have agreed to meet early next year ahead of the second part of their World Cup 2010 qualification campaigns.

The Brazilians claim that the venue is yet to be decided, but their Italian counterparts insist it will be held in London – an official decision should be announced shortly.

World Cup winning Coach Marcello Lippi will be back at the helm for this repeat of World Cup 1994 Final.

The respected tactician’s meaningful action in World Cup qualification Group 8 begins with a visit to Cyprus on September 9 before tests against Georgia, Bulgaria and Montenegro.

There will then be a break in international fixtures until the end of March 2009 and the friendly against Brazil will be a valuable chance for the Azzurri to meet up ahead of a trip to Montenegro.

channel4.com - Football Italia

It's been a while since we last played them, it should be a decent test. Although I have no idea what we'll look like by then.

[Jager]

I'm a little surprised by this move to be honest.

Aren't they the South American champions??

That means we'll face them at the intercontinental cup, makes no sense to face them now.

BTW, I know this IC is a mean nothing tournament, but I have a feeling that Lippi will experiment and will take it seriously.

Also, if it is held in London, you should go. Bring an Azzurri kit with you.

[D-Kin]

Yeah, of course.

However, I disagree with you slightly. Lippi won't take all the big guns next summer, think about it, that wouldn't be smart. Our players have barely had any rest as it is with the Euros so to have another summer playing rather than resting wouldn't be wise. If it was me I'd take some of the younger players and give them a decent run out, especially the likes of Chiellini and Aquilani. The established regulars don't need to go.

[Jager]

That mini tournament is like a week or so?? I think you will see a pretty decent team with some vets and some young stars.

Its hard to say who will play or won't, its so far away.

[Brandinho]

It seems like most countries decide to bring their guns to the Confederations Cup so don't expect back up teams to go.

[D-Kin]

Well Brazil never seem to, I expect us to take a similar approach.

[Brandinho]

Originally Posted by D-Kin

Well Brazil never seem to, I expect us to take a similar approach.

1 GK Dida AC Milan
2 DF Maicon AS Monaco
3 DF Lucio Bayern Munich
4 DF Roque Júnior Bayer Leverkusen
5 MF Emerson Juventus FC
6 DF Gilberto Hertha BSC Berlin
7 FW Robinho Santos FC
8 MF Kaká AC Milan
9 FW Adriano Internazionale FC
10 MF Ronaldinho Barcelona FC
11 MF Ze Roberto Bayern Munich
12 GK Marcos Palmeiras
13 DF Cicinho Sao Paulo FC
14 DF Juan Bayer Leverkusen
15 DF Luisão SL Benfica
16 DF Leo SL Benfica
17 MF Gilberto Silva Arsenal FC
18 MF Juninho Pernambucano Olympique Lyonnais
19 MF Renato Sevilla FC
20 FW Júlio Baptista Sevilla FC
21 FW Ricardo Oliveira Real Betis
22 MF Edu Dracena Cruzeiro
23 GK Heurelho Gomes PSV Eindhoven

That was Brazil's squad from the last Confederations Cup in Germany. That's CERTAINLY better than the team they sent to last years Copa America; I say it's a pretty decent team.

[Forza_Roma]

This should be an interesting match...both sides will be pumped for this. But, seeing as it's 3/4 into the season, i wouldn't expect more then a typicall friendly match. Maybe 1-1.

BTW- Why is Brazil in uppercase in the thread title??? They are no longer the World Champs!!

[dukeofdavinci]

brazil, another experiment match imo.wth mainly youths i assume.same for brazil.most of their lot wll be the ones to be eased in for 2010.

but as usual wth internationals comes the question of hectic schedule for players.