Football: Brazil held by Italy

GENEVA: Daniele De Rossi sparked Italy’s fightback and Mario Balotelli scored a superb second-half equaliser as the Azzurri battled to a 2-2 draw against Brazil in a friendly on Thursday.

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side, hosts of the 2014 World Cup, came into this match looking for a win following a 2-1 loss to England last month.

Any doubts Scolari may have had about Brazil on their travels evaporated by the interval after Fred and then Chelsea attacking midfielder Oscar scored one apiece to give Brazil a 2-0 lead.

“I saw a lot positive things,” said Scolari, who is still looking for the first win of his second spell in charge of Brazil.

He also had kind words for Santos striker Neymar after recent criticism. “Tactically, Neymar played well, probably his best match for Brazil. We had him as a second striker and he made life difficult for Italy’s defence.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2013.