Marchisio: Brazil an important test for Italy

18-Mar-2013 11:33:00 PM

The Juventus midfielder is looking forward to a tough challenge against the Selecao on Thursday

Claudio Marchisio says Italy's friendly with Brazil is a game that "every kid wants to play in".

Cesare Prandelli's men are sitting pretty at the top of World Cup 2014 qualification Group B and face the Selecao in a friendly on Thursday, ahead of their latest qualifier against Malta on March 26.

"It's the game that every kid wants to play. It's the best," the 27-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Brazil is the home of spectacular football. It will be an important test for Italy, a check of the highest levels.

"We shouldn't take the match against Malta too easy, it is crucial in the race to the World Cup, considering the difficulties we've encountered in the first leg."

He then talked about the pride Juventus players have in being selected for their country, and revealed his belief that Italy are currently among the top three teams in the world.

He added: "We at Juventus are proud to have many players that represent a great national team, after years of really hard work at the club.

"Our national side, I think, is only behind Spain and Germany."

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