Marchisio promises Italy focus for Confed Cup

Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio promised the side that switched off against Haiti in midweek would be totally focused during the Confederations Cup.

The Azzurri slipped to a 2-2 draw against Haiti in a friendly organised to boost earthquake relief on the Caribbean island, sending a jolt of anxiety through the Italy camp ahead of a tough meeting with Mexico.

But Marchisio assured fans his colleagues mean business in a tournament typically treated like a dress rehearsal for the World Cup finals.

He told figc.it: "I believe you will see a different Italy on Sunday.

"Everybody thinks the Confederations Cup is just a warm-up tournament and that's partly true, but you have to remember that not everybody will get to play (in the World Cup).

"That's why we want to have a good tournament here. There are always doubts about the national side and unfortunately we let ourselves down in the final six minutes against Haiti and conceded two goals.

"But I'm sure that will act as a motivating factor on the pitch on Sunday and we will see a different team out there."

Italy are struggling for numbers in attack at the Maracana, with Mario Balotelli joining fellow AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy on the sidelines with a muscle injury.

Mexico have also struggled through recent games, drawing eight of their last nine internationals and scoring just once in their last four qualifying matches to sit a worrying third in the CONCACAF standings.

El Tricolor coach Jose Manuel de la Torre is likely to use Giovani dos Santos, Andres Guardado and Javier Hernandez as a three-pronged attack against an Italian defence that has proved to be vulnerable.