Robinho leads from the front for Brazil

Italy were beaten 2-0 by Brazil in tonight’s friendly in London. Robinho was in inspired form, setting up the first for Manchester City team-mate Elano before doubling Brazil’s lead in the 27th minute.

At the other end, Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar was in stunning form to snuff out any Italian threat.

Italy almost got off to the best possible start as Fabio Grosso put through Alberto Gilardino, but a timely tackle from Juan prevented the world champions from drawing first blood.

Grosso had the ball in the back of the net seconds later as he raced into the penalty area to volley a long pass from midfield past Julio Cesar, but it was ruled out for a tight offside decision.

Dunga’s men began to get into their stride, however, and were looking very dangerous, Robinho in particular was dazzling the Italian defence and calling for every ball, and he was instrumental in Brazil taking the lead in the 13th minute.

Elano backheeled the ball to Robinho, who instantly returned it for his City team-mate to muscle his way past several Azzurri defenders before unleashing a shot into the bottom right corner.

Brazil were quick to drive forward, with Ronaldinho leading dangerous-looking counter-attacks time and time again. It was from one of those that Brazil doubled their lead.

Ronaldinho’s cross was intercepted by Andrea Pirlo but he was too slow to clear the danger and Robinho nipped in and stole the ball off him before dribbling his way past three players and firing past Gianluigi Buffon’s outstretched hand and into the far right corner.

Daniele De Rossi went closest for Italy in the 35th minute only to be denied by a brilliant stop from Julio Cesar.

The Azzurri got more into the game at the end of the half and seemed determined to continue that improvement after the break.

However, they could find no way past the gold shirts and it was Brazil who went closest when Maicon put in a dangerous-looking cross that Gianluca Zambrotta had to be alert to clear over the bar.

Nevertheless, the Azzurri, who had brought on Mauro Camoranesi, Luca Toni and Giuseppe Rossi at the break, were definitely posing more of a threat.

Toni thought he had pulled one back in the 65th minute as he latched onto Pirlo’s through-ball and muscled his way past Lucio and Juan, but his effort was ruled out for handball.

Italy looked a different prospect with Toni on the pitch, but the Bayern Munich striker wasted a good opportunity when he latched onto Camoranesi’s pass but slipped when in a good position as he attempted to round his marker.

Toni would have got his goal eight minutes from time were it not for a wonderful save from Julio Cesar to deny him at point-blank range, much to the 31-year-old’s obvious shock.

Brazil could have grabbed another when Buffon spilled Ronaldinho’s free-kick, but the Italian defence was swift to clear the danger.