Rome, Nov 29 (IANS): Italy are to play against Brazil in the Confederations Cup next summer due to a technical reason, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke confirmed ahead of Saturday's draw.
The tournament will be played June 15-30 in Brazil as a warm-up for the 2014 World Cup involving Brazil, Spain, Japan, Mexico, Uruguay, Tahiti, Italy and the winner of the 2013 African Cup of Nations, reports Xinhua.
The Azzurri are taking part representing UEFA as they were runners-up at Euro 2012 to 2010 World Cup winners Spain.
Although the draw for the two groups is not made until Saturday, Jerome Valcke confirmed Italy will be paired with Brazil.
"As Brazil and Spain are the seeds, this means Italy will be in Group A with Brazil and Uruguay in Group B, seeing as the South Americans cannot be in the same group as Brazil," he said.