Confederations Cup preview: Egypt – Italy

Following their impressive performance against Brazil, Egypt hope to cause another, and more successful upset when they face world champions Italy in Group B this Thursday.

Although favorites to win this match, bookmakers aren’t quite as sure of Italy as they would have been ahead of this tournament. Egypt almost managed a draw against Brazil and showed to be capable of fast and incisive counter-attacks.

Italy struggled against the United States, but came back from behind to beat the Americans 3-1. Another win would mean that a spot in the semi finals is practically in the pocket. Marcello Lippi will want to make sure that his side improves its performance in the first half, in which it looked particularly vulnerable against the USA.

Italy and Egypt last met ahead of the 1954 World Cup. The two faced twice in qualification and Italy won on both occasions.

Egypt’s Ahmed Al-Muhamadi is suspended for this game as he picked up a red card against Brazil.

Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Stadium is the venue for this match, which is scheduled to start at 8:30pm local time.