The teams go into the match having won their two opening fixtures, and will be keen to seal first place in the group so as to avoid a likely semi-final meeting with world champions Spain.

Brazil kicked off their campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over Japan and followed that up with a rather less convincing 2-0 victory against Mexico, which was only sealed by Jo's goal in the dying seconds.

Italy, meanwhile, began the tournament with a 2-1 win against the Mexicans before emerging 4-3 victors in a thrilling encounter with Japan on Wednesday.

The sides last met in March, and shared a 2-2 draw as second-half goals from Daniele De Rossi and Mario Balotelli cancelled out strikes from Fred and Oscar in the first period.

However, that fixture was played on the neutral ground of Switzerland, and Brazil will be roared on by a partisan home crowd when the pair do battle again.

If they are to capitalise on that advantage, the hosts will need Barcelona new-boy Neymar to continue his fine run of form.

The 21-year-old has scored superb goals in each of Brazil's first two fixtures and also provided an eye-catching assist for Jo in the win over Mexico.

But, as proved by their win over Japan in a game they had hardly contributed to, Italy are an incredibly difficult team to beat.

Cesare Prandelli's men have not lost a game since suffering defeat at the hands of France in November 2012 - a run that accounts for eight games.

They also boast the talents of Balotelli among their ranks, with the Milan striker equalling Neymar's record of netting in both of his side's opening games.

With all-conquering Spain looking likely candidates to win Group B having already beaten their main rivals for supremacy, Uruguay, these sides will be eager to ensure they do not finish second in order to avoid meeting Vicente del Bosque's team until the final.