The FIFA Confederations Cup kicks off in Brazil on Saturday, as organisers and the teams involved get geared up for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The hosts, Brazil, will be aiming to retain their trophy for the third consecutive time following final victories against United States (2009) and Argentina (2005). However, form has dipped in recent years, blamed in some quarters by a lack of competitive fixtures due to their automatic spot in the World Cup. This was typified last week when they found themselves 22nd in the FIFA rankings, their lowest spot ever. They may draw confidence from their 3-0 warm-up victory over France, though, as they begin the tournament against Japan on Saturday.
Italy earned qualification for the event as UEFA Euro 2012 runners-up after Spain…