Mexico vs. Italy: Lineups

Bob Levey

Mexico and Italy go in search of three points and a spot atop Group A with Brazil.

Mexico and Italy get their Confederations Cup underway today when they square off at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil is already at the top of Group A after beating Japan in the tournament opener yesterday, leaving Mexico and italy in search of three points to move level with the hosts.

Jose Manuel "Chepo" de la Torre has elected to play a 4-2-3-1 with Giovani dos Santo rejoining the team underneath Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez. Gerardo Torrado also gets another start, pairing with Jesus Zavala in the center of the midfield as El Tri go in search of just their second win of 2013.

Italy have opted for a 4-4-1-1 with a diamond midfield that will see Ricardo Montolivo at the tip of the diamond and Emanuele Giaccherini in between the diamond and Mario Balotelli up top.

Mexico (4-2-3-1): Jose de Jesus Corona; Carlos Salcido, Maza, Hector Moreno, Gerardo Flores; Jesus Zavala, Gerardo Torrado; Andres Guardado, Giovani dos Santos, Javier Aquino; Chicharito.

Italy (4-<4>-1-1): Gianluigi Buffon; Matt De Sciglio, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli, Ignazio Abate; Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, Ricardo Montolivo; Emanuele Giaccherini; Mario Balotelli.