Inspired Brazil see off Italy to win Group A

An inspired second-half showing from Brazil earned the Confederations Cup hosts a 4-2 win over Italy in Salvador on Saturday to win Group A and avoid a potential semi-final meeting with Spain.

The dubious honour of facing the world champions in a Thursday semi in Fortaleza is now likely to be Italy’s fate assuming the Spanish top Group B.

Brazil made it three wins in three games at the event to earn a probable semi-final with Uruguay in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday.