The only high-profile friendly on Thursday will see Euro 2012 runners-up Italy tackle 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil in Geneva, Switzerland.

Following their huge success at the Euro 2012 that wasn’t marred even with a heavy defeat in the final, the Azzurri have continued the rich vein of form in competitive fixtures.

Having dropped just two points in first four 2014 World Cup qualifiers, they are already four points clear at the top of Group B, but they seem to have some problems in friendly fixtures.

Cesare Prandelli is unlikely to be too worried as long as his men continue playing well when it really matters, but the Azzurri will be looking to improve their dismal record in friendly games when they face Brazil.

Italy have lost five straight international friendlies before sharing spoils with Netherlands last time out, and they are now 3.90 (29/10) at BetVictor to end the six-match winless run.

The likes of Alessio Cerci and Mattia de Sciglio are tipped to earn their first Italy caps, but there is no place in the squad for Antonio Cassano, Marco Verratti and Davide Santon.

Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Sharaawy look likely to continue in attack despite the latter going through a very rough patch at the moment.

The former Manchester City star, however, has been scoring goals for fun since returning to San Siro, 7 goals in 6 matches, and he is 3.40 (12/5) at bet365 to score against Brazil as well.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Buffon – Maggio, Barzagli, Bonucci, De Sciglio – De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio – Montolivo – Balotelli, El Shaarawy.

Brazil continue their World Cup preparations with a friendly match against Italy, and they will be under some pressure after losing to England in February.

That was the first game in charge for Luiz Felipe Scolari and he will certainly demand improvement in the match against the Azzurri.

The experienced coach opted to make quite a few changes to his first squad, with the likes of Ronaldinho, Fabiano, Lucas Leiva and Rafael all missing.

Kaka and Marcelo, however, return to the side, while Lazio star Hernanes is back after missing the England game through injury.

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has also received a call-up, but Lucas Moura, Ramires and Paulinho were forced to withdraw due to injury.

Even so, the Seleccao are 2.10 (11/10) favourites at BetFred to beat Italy and thus make amends for the 2-1 defeat to England.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Cesar – Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo – Hernanes, Jean – Oscar, Kaka, Neymar – Fred.

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