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Folks, don’t mess with Brazil! The Samba Boys are hosting the 2013 Confederations Cup to win and no one should be in doubt of that after they secured top spot in Group A last night with a 4-2 win over Italy at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador.

Propelled by wonderkid Neymar, who scored in all three group matches, the hosts simply overwhelmed the Azzurri to claim a well deserved victory – thanks to a brace from Fred and a goal apiece from Dante and Neymar. Italy’s goals came from Emanuele Giaccherini and Giorgio Chiellini.

Brazil got off to a flying start, completely dominating the game. It was therefore no surprise at all when substitute Dante opened scoring on the stroke of halftime. The Bayern Munich centre back tapped in after Fred was denied by Gianluigi Buffon.

The Azzurri equalised through Giaccherini six minutes after the break, the Juventus midfielder getting on the end of a breathtaking Mario Balotelli touch before firing the ball past Julio Cesar.

Wonder boy Neymar restored Brazil’s lead in the 55th minute with a marvelous free kick awarded after he was brought down by Christian Maggio on the edge of the area. Fred extended the lead 11 minutes later, out-struggling Chiellini before rifling the ball into the roof of the net.

Defender Chellini pulled one back for the Azzurri in the 71st minute, shooting into the back of the net even as the referee seemed to have blown the whistle to award a penalty for a foul on Balotelli.

It was, however, little comfort as Fred put the game to bed two minutes before full time. Though both teams had already qualified for the semi-final, ending on top of the group was important as it would help avoid meeting world champions Spain, who look likely to top Group B after tonight’s game against Nigeria.

•Photo: For Brazil, a time to celebrate.

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