Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has praised his players after they fought back to earn a 2-2 draw with Brazil in Thursday's friendly in Switzerland.

Goals from Fred and Oscar had put the Selecao ahead at the break in Geneva, but Daniele De Rossi and Mario Balotelli scored early in the second half to salvage a positive result for the Azzurri.

"We had a great game," Prandelli told Rai. "We were down 2-0 at break. I looked to transmit the feeling we could score then equalise.

"We risked a lot being 2-0 down but we were better organised in the second half. It was good spirit from the team."

Italy return to World Cup qualification duties on Tuesday when they take on Malta.