Italy v Brazil: Neymar to navigate hosts clear of Spain

Neymar is the toast of Brazilian football right now

This promises to be the tie of the tournament so far as Christian Crowther attempts to pick a winner and offers some accompanying bets...

Italy v Brazil, Saturday 20:00, BBC3, Match Odds: Italy 5.49/2, Brazil 1.748/11, The Draw 4.03/1 

With both these sides recording consecutive victories to ensure progression from Group A this fixture represents a straight shoot-out for group supremacy.

Nevertheless, Brazil's superior goal difference means the hosts can afford to draw and stay at the summit.

The prize for topping the group will in all probability be swerving World Cup champions Spain in the semi-finals, so Italy will be very much focused on victory.

However, this remains no easy task against the host nation whose affinity for this competition is unrivalled. In defeating Mexico 2-0the Selecao broke a tournament record for the most successive wins, making it nine, while they've not tasted defeat in ten matches since losing to the Mexicans eight years ago.

Brazil's latest win over Mexico was efficient, if not thrilling, but that can be partly attributed to the stifling mid-afternoon heat in Fortaleza which clearly wasn't conducive to all-out attack.  

Whereas the hosts have not been breached in 180 minutes, a more concerning feature of their play for Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli is the four goals conceded across just two matches. 

Though Italy's comeback against Japan was admirable, Brazil in this form are unlikely to be as charitable, as they showed in that 3-0 opening victory over the same opposition. 

With the greater onus on the Italians to attack, this Neymar-inspired Brazil outfit have the tools to pick off their European visitors on the counter and extend their winning record.

First Goalscorer

Yet to be tested in Europe's top leagues (though that's about to change for Barcelona's new boy), Neymar has been busy silencing the doubters in this competition. He's opened the scoring on both occasions for the Samba Boys and has been the stand-out performer in a yellow shirt, mixing sublime skill with an eye for goal. There's not much to suggest he can't continue that trend here.

Both Teams To Score

Although this Brazilian side are yet to concede, the Italians' appetite for goals has matched that of their affection for olive oil in their opening fixtures. Led by the maverick marksman Mario Balotelli, this Azzurri side are shaking off their safety-first stereotype under Prandelli's guidance and look like scoring regularly; having averaged just over two-goals per game in their last seven.

Recommended Bets

Best Bet: Back Neymar to score first @ 6.3n/a
Back both teams to score @ 1.8810/11