Italy’s line-up against Brazil this evening could be a 4-2-3-1 rather than a 4-3-3, as Alessandro Diamanti tucks into a trequartista role.

The Confederations Cup Group A match kicks off at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT) in Salvador de Bahia. There is a huge military and police presence around the stadium after anti-Government protests swept the nation.

Italy’s line-up against Brazil this evening could be a 4-2-3-1 rather than a 4-3-3, as Alessandro Diamanti tucks into a trequartista role.

The Confederations Cup Group A match kicks off at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT) in Salvador de Bahia. There is a huge military and police presence around the stadium after anti-Government protests swept the nation.

Cesare Prandelli confirmed he would be making changes for this fixture after beating Mexico 2-1 and Japan 4-3.

Andrea Pirlo and Stephan El Shaarawy are injured, while Daniele De Rossi is suspended.

It had at first been thought he’d adopt the 4-3-3 system, but the latest reports suggest it is closer to a 4-2-3-1, albeit with the same players in different positions.

This way Diamanti would slot into a trequartista role behind centre-forward Mario Balotelli, with Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Candreva supporting out wide.

Riccardo Montolivo and Alberto Aquilani share Pirlo’s deep-lying playmaker position.

Changes are also expected in defence, where Ignazio Abate replaces Christian Maggio and Leonardo Bonucci steps in for his Juventus teammate Andrea Barzagli.

This will be the 16th time the nations have faced off with five Italy victories, three draws and seven wins for Brazil.

The most recent encounter was a friendly in Geneva on March 21, when the Azzurri fought back from 2-0 down in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Fred and Oscar had put the Seleçao in front before the break, but De Rossi and Balotelli struck twice in three minutes.

Italy have not beaten Brazil since the legendary 3-2 World Cup semi-final in July 1982, notching up three defeats and three draws.

The 1994 World Cup Final is considered a 0-0 draw for statistical purposes, as it was decided on penalties.

Italy (probable): Buffon; Abate, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Sciglio; Aquilani, Montolivo; Marchisio, Diamanti, Candreva; Balotelli

Brazil (probable): Julio Cesar; Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Dante, Marcelo; Hernanes, Luiz Gustavo; Lucas, Oscar, Neymar; Jo

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