Confederations Cup Game Time Thread: Italy vs. Brazil

So, you're telling that Italy is going into its final group stage game at the Confederations Cup against Brazil without a midfield consisting of Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi, doctor? Please explain this one to me.

"During the Japan match, Pirlo felt his right calf muscle contract," said Italy's chief medic, Professor Enrico Castellacci. "He had tests that showed a slight muscular strain with no lesions. His recovery is aimed the semifinals, not at the game with Brazil."

Dammit, you're telling me Italy is going into its final group stage game at the Confederations Cup against Brazil without a midfield consisting of Andrea Pirlo (injured) and Daniele De Rossi (suspended because of yellow cards).

/sad faces/

While both Italy and Brazil are both qualified for the knockout round, there is one thing going for this game — the battle of who doesn't play Spain in one of the tournament's semifinals. I'm judging it will be a little closer game than against Tahiti, but La Roja is playing exceptionally well right now and there's no way around it. If Italy lose, the chance to win the Confederations, it will go against the defending world and European champions.

So, objective for this one? Don't play Spain. Sounds like a good one to me, folks.

I may or may not miss Pirlo's glorious beard already. Don't judge me.

LINEUPS!

Italy XI (4-3-3/4-3-2-1?): Buffon; Abate, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Sciglio; Aquilani, Montolivo, Marchisio; Diamanti, Candreva; Balotelli

Brazil XI (4-3-3/4-2-3-1?): Julio Cesar; Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo; Hernanes, Luiz Gustavo; Hulk, Oscar, Neymar; Fred