International
2009-02-10 - Brazil vs Italy
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Brazil
A match at the Emirates Stadium in London between these 2 giants of International football has not captured the public imagination as I think the sponsors thought it would. While this is often talked about as the classic case of attack vs defence, things have changed considerably on the international stage.
Brazil are playing a much more defensive minded formation under the guidance of Dunga and this has led to many in their homeland to criticise him and demand a return to the attacking football of yesteryear. Brazil have not been in great form recently, although they have had 7 clean sheets from their last 8 games. Recent draws with Bolivia and Colombia in World Cup qualifiers has shown a lack of goals, although they did win their last friendly 6-2 over Portugal in November.
Brazil are missing inspirational player Kaka for this game and their lack of strikers saw them make a late claim to bring in Amauri into the squad. However, Juventus refused the request and this could lead to Amauri representing Italy in future International games.
Italy
Italy brought back Marcello Lippi as manager after a disappointing Euro 2008 and he is hoping to bring his side back into the attacking mould he had at the World Cup in Germany 3 years ago. He has not really been that successful in achieving this at the moment as he has an ageing team and not many new players moving up the ranks to replace them.
They are currently riding a 31 match unbeaten run under Marcello Lippi, a record for the Italian National side and another unbeaten match here will see Lippi set a new record for all International managers. They are topping their World Cup qualifying group but have not been completely convincing in doing so.
Italy have kept 2 clean sheets in their last 5 games and have only failed to score in 1 of those games. Italy have won 3 of their last 5 games.
Lippi continues to overlook Alex Del Piero and Antonio Cassano for his squad which surprises many of his critics.
Head to Head
This is the first meeting between the 2 international sides in 12 years since they drew 3-3 in a friendly in France.
Prediction
Brazil will be looking to relieve some pressure of their manager Dunga, but will struggle to break down this Italian side. The loss of Kaka could be huge for them here as the other players in the side are not in the best of form.
Italy will look to set a new record for Lippi here if they ensure they do not lose. They remain a tough side to beat, and they do have goals in the side. However the decision to leave out Del Piero from the squad does nothing but surprise me.
I think this is going to be a good game but I have a feeling that Italy may be the ones who come through victorious. I think the double chance on Italy is a reasonable price but I will pick the bigger option of an Italian win.
BEST BETTING TIP :
Italy WINPLEASE REMEMBER IT IS A FRIENDLY SO KEEP STAKES TO A MINIMUM
