Uruguay Coach Oscar Washington Tabarez says Italy’s real Man of the Match is Cesare Prandelli. “We’ll see what he’s prepared for us.”

The Celeste face the Azzurri in Salvador today for third place in the Confederations Cup, kicking off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

Uruguay Coach Oscar Washington Tabarez says Italy’s real Man of the Match is Cesare Prandelli. “We’ll see what he’s prepared for us.”

The Celeste face the Azzurri in Salvador today for third place in the Confederations Cup, kicking off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

“We will have to see how Italy turn up,” smiled Tabarez.

“On Wednesday against Spain the real Man of the Match was Prandelli. He amazed everyone, playing on a par with the strongest team in the world.

“It’s possible they will be tired after playing extra time and are missing some important players, but I do not expect a weak side.

“Even in their 4-2 defeat to Brazil, the statistics show they do not like losing. We’ll wait and see what Prandelli has prepared for us…”

Uruguay tried to have their final training session behind closed doors to surprise Italy, although there is still confusion over what system the Azzurri will adopt, having used a three-man defence against Spain.

“The team is fairly defined, but I will not give my starting XI. We will have to play with a great deal of intensity and see how Italy are set out.

“Third place would be important not just for being on the podium, but also to prove we can play against all the best teams in the world. That’s not something we often do.”

Players have complained of the heat and humidity in Brazil during this tournament, so starting in Salvador de Bahia at 13.00 local time could exacerbate these issues.

“We have to pay special attention to this aspect,” noted Tabarez. “When lots of games are in quick succession, fatigue can become a decisive factor.”

Probable line-ups

Uruguay: Muslera; Caceres, Godin, Lugano, Pereira; Cristian Rodriguez, Arevalo Rios, Perez; Forlan; Suarez, Cavani

Italy: Buffon; Maggio, Bonucci, Astori, De Sciglio; Candreva, De Rossi, Montolivo; Diamanti; El Shaarawy, Gilardino

OR

Italy: Buffon; Bonucci, Astori, Chiellini; Maggio, Montolivo, De Rossi, De Sciglio; Candreva, Aquilani; El Shaarawy

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