PELE: ITALY WILL BOUNCE BACK AGAINST BRAZIL

Will the Brazilian legend's infamous curse continue after he tipped the Azzurri to do the business against his homeland?
Tomorrow night Italy face Brazil in the Confederations Cup in their last group stage match, needing a victory to have a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals after their 1-0 defeat to Egypt in their first match.

The Selecao have won their first two group games, which makes it almost impossible for them not to qualify, but theoretically anything is still possible since goal difference matters if teams finish level on points.

Brazilian legend Pele spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about this match, which he thinks is not to be underestimated for Carlos Dunga's men.

"When the two countries with the most World Cup victories meet, there is always a lot of balance no matter what kind of form they are in," he said. "In the London friendly in February Brazil were superior and won 2-0, but that's in the past. It will be a different story this time."

Despite that embarrassing 1-0 reverse to Egypt, the three-time World Cup winner believes Italy will bounce back quickly.

"I hope Brazil continue improving and play well against Italy: they should never be underestimated," he continued, "especially after a defeat like the one against Egypt, in which the opposing goalkeeper made some great saves, denying the Azzurri an equaliser. Italy know how to pick themselves up quickly."

Pele has become infamous for his numerous wrong predictions over the years, and he is considered by many as something of a jinx. Italy fans will now be fearing the worst following Pele's remarks.

ITALY’S LUCA TONI: EVERYONE ALWAYS THINKS I’M OUT OF SHAPE

The Azzurri hitman says he is ready to play from the start against the United States.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has the difficult task of selecting 11 Azzurri players to tackle the United States of America in the World Champion’s first match of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

His toughest selections will come up front, as he has six in-form strikers at his disposal, all of whom will be keen to play from the start.

One of those is Luca Toni, and the Bayern Munich hitman recently staked his claim to be included in the starting line-up.

“When I come in to the national side, everyone is always in form except for me,” the giant hitman sarcastically told Rai.

“People think that I will be slow, awkward and that I’m out of shape. To them I say that at 32 years of age, I do not feel old, and I am full of maturity.

“In two years in Germany, I have scored 61 goals in all, and it appears to me that no one is taking notice of that.”

At this point, Alberto Gilardino remains the favorite of the six strikers in the side to get the call up, however Toni did add that he will support whatever decision his coach makes on the night.

“I hope to play from the first minute, but if Gilardino starts in my place, then I will support him.”