Italy gun for Brazil scalp in clash to stir World Cup memories

Surprise package Italy are aiming to emulate Germany and France by topping their group when they face Brazil on Tuesday in an encounter that evokes classic World Cup memories.

Milena Bertolini's side have a perfect six points after scoring seven times in their opening two matches, including a shock opening win over pre-tournament dark horses Australia, and need a draw against Brazil to ensure topping Group C.

The clash harks back to some pulsating men's World Cup encounters, including the Pele-inspired 4-1 destruction of the Italians in the 1970 final and Paolo Rossi's hat-trick in 1982, which downed Zico's flamboyant Selecao 3-2 as Italy went on to lift the trophy.

"I have vivid memories of the Italy-Brazil match in 1982 and being here to experience such a match in person is incredible," said Bertolini.

The Italians have surpassed all expectations in France and have shone a light on women's football in a country where there are just a fraction of the players that world champions the United States can call upon, despite being a powerhouse in the men's game.

"We need to be good at everything," added Bertolini of the clash in Valenciennes.

"In the first match it was important that we kept the ball so we could breathe, against Jamaica we needed to maintain a balance (in attack). With Brazil we need to bring it all together."
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