Italy take on Japan and Cesare Prandelli admits “the interpretation will be slightly different with Alberto Aquilani.”
The Azzurri beat Mexico 2-1 in the opening Group A fixture and will qualify for the semi-final if they win again in Recife.
Italy take on Japan and Cesare Prandelli admits “the interpretation will be slightly different with Alberto Aquilani.”
The Azzurri beat Mexico 2-1 in the opening Group A fixture and will qualify for the semi-final if they win again in Recife.
It kicks off at 23.00 UK time (22.00 GMT) with two changes, as Aquilani replaces Claudio Marchisio and Christian Maggio takes over from Ignazio Abate.
“The interpretation will be slightly different with Aquilani’s introduction,” Prandelli told Rai Sport.
“We will try to dominate that area of the field. We want to keep possession, as with this humidity it is difficult to run for 90 minutes, so we must make the ball move and our opponents do more of the work.
“We are in good shape and I hope we have recovered well from Sunday, because Japan are a side who know how to take the field.
“Their Coach, Alberto Zaccheroni, is tactically perfect at the helm of an extraordinary group of players. It will be tough to hold them back.”
Japan lost their opener 3-0 to Brazil, but introduce striker Ryoichi Maeda, moving Keisuke Honda into a deeper role.
The Selecao have already qualified for the semi-final of the Confederations Cup, beating Mexico 2-0 this evening. The result suggested a more impressive performance than it really was from Brazil, as a Neymar volley and last-gasp Jo strike secured victory.