Brazil takes the lead, but Italy fights back to tie the game.
The Brazilian team opened up a 2-0 lead in the first half, but Italy recovered in the second half, resulting in a 2-2 final score; the Brazilian goals were scored by Fred and Oscar, who made a mistake in the build-up play that led to Balotelli's beautiful equalizing goal.
March 21 (Reuters) The Brazilian national team drew 2-2 with Italy in a friendly match this Thursday in Geneva, and remains winless in two games since coach Luiz Felipe Scolari returned to lead the team.
The Brazilians opened up a 2-0 lead in the first half, with goals from Fred and Oscar, despite not having a good game, and conceded the equalizer in the second half after giving their rivals too much space.
"I think it was a lack of teamwork. It serves as a learning experience," said midfielder Fernando, chosen by the Brazilian coach to protect the defense, after Felipão felt the team was too exposed in the last match.
In Felipão's return to the team in February, Brazil lost 2-1 to England. The team faces Russia on Monday in London, in preparation for the Confederations Cup in June.
Even though the friendly in Switzerland didn't result in Brazil's first victory under Felipão, the 2002 World Cup champion, at least the team maintained a winning streak. Italy's last victory over Brazil was in the 1982 World Cup in Spain. Since then, there have been three Brazilian wins and now three draws.
Brazil, however, has yet to beat a major national team since 2009.
The Brazilian team took to the field in Geneva with Júlio César; Daniel Alves, David Luiz, Dante and Filipe Luís; Fernando, Hernanes and Oscar; Hulk, Neymar and Fred.
Italy started the match better. Just two minutes in, Giaccherini dribbled past captain David Luiz on the left and shot. Júlio César parried it away for a corner.
The Brazilians responded two minutes later with a shot from the edge of the area by Neymar, which goalkeeper Buffon saved.
From then on, the Italians had the best chances. Striker Balotelli had two good opportunities. In the first, he shot first-time with his left foot and the Brazilian goalkeeper made the save. In the second, his shot went close to the post.
But it was Brazil who scored. In the 33rd minute, Filipe Luís crossed from the left and, after a deflection by the Italian defense, the ball came to Fred at the far post, who volleyed it home to make it 1-0.
At 38 minutes, Balotelli took a shot from the edge of the box and Júlio César, making his second start since Felipão's return, made another save without much effort.
Still in the first half, the Brazilians protested for a penalty after Hernanes, who exchanged passes with Neymar, was fouled inside the penalty area.
Neymar once again delivered a fine pass in the 42nd minute, setting up Oscar for a clear shot on goal. The Chelsea midfielder calmly slotted the ball into the net: 2-0.
Even with the partial victory, goalkeeper Júlio César was not happy with the performance: "At halftime, Felipão will talk to us, point out the mistakes. It's a team that's waiting."
In the second half, Italy improved and tied the game in 12 minutes. For the first goal, De Rossi deflected a corner kick, and shortly after, Balotelli shot from the edge of the box to score.
Felipão then made two substitutions: Kaká came on for Oscar and Diego Costa for Fred.
Brazil had a chance to extend their lead, but Hulk misjudged a good pass from Neymar. Italy also wasted opportunities, mainly through Balotelli.
Brazil's next game will be on Monday against Russia in London.
(By Tatiana Ramil, in São Paulo)