Italy's Balotelli upstages Neymar in Brazil draw

Great potential

Brazil are languishing in 18th place in the FIFA rankings but Scolari's opposite number, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli, also saw the possibilities in Brazil's developing side.

"I'm convinced they are a strong team with great potential," he said. "We don't really know how we ended up 2-0 behind but we didn't lose our balance and we kept our heads. Our young players showed great calm."

Italy's Mario Balotelli gestures during their international friendly soccer match against Brazil at the Stade de Geneve in Geneva, March 21, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Italy were dominant for the opening half-hour with 22-year-old Balotelli playing a leading role.

The maverick striker had one effort stopped by Julio Cesar, another deflected wide by David Luiz and also provided a cross which Pablo Osvaldo headed wide.

Andrea Pirlo, Italy's deep-lying playmaker, was as elegant as ever, floating one ball over the Brazil defence for Christian Maggio whose effort was blocked by Julio Cesar.

Pirlo curled another effort wide and Balotelli had a rocket shot palmed away by Julio Cesar who also managed to turn aside a flicked effort by Pablo Osvaldo.

Brazil outplayed

Brazil were clearly being outplayed but still found themselves two goals ahead by halftime.

Fred opening the scoring in the 33rd minute when Filipe Luis's cross found him at the far post and he side-footed first time past Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Ten minutes later, Neymar split the Italian defence with a reverse pass and Oscar flicked the ball past Buffon.

Pirlo was substituted at halftime, yet Italy quickly found themselves level.

Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute when the Brazil defence failed to clear a corner and he cleverly flicked the ball in from near the penalty area with the outside of his foot.

Balotelli produced his masterstroke three minutes later to raise the roof at the Stade de Geneve and twice came close to a winner but was denied by Julio Cesar both times.

Brazil brought 2007 World Player of the Year Kaka on for the last 20 minutes but he struggled to make an impact.