Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi will renew old acquaintances when his reigning two-time Copa America champions take on Portugal in what he expects to be a tough Confederations Cup semi-final today.

Pizzi, who played under Portuguese coach Fernando Santos for Portuguese side Porto in 2000, will have a full 23-man squad to choose from for the clash in Kazan.

European champions Portugal’s roster, meanwhile, has been depleted by injuries and bookings.

“We know it’s going to be a difficult match,” Pizzi told reporters at a press conference yesterday in Kazan.

“And I’m sure it’s going to be difficult... for Portugal as well.”

“It a privilege and reason for satisfaction to have all of (the players)... tomorrow at our disposal.’’

Let’s hope they are able to play at the same level tomorrow as we’ve seen until now.”

The Portuguese manager said a game-day decision would be made regarding midfielder Bernardo Silva, who just joined Manchester City, as he sustained an ankle injury in his squad’s last group stage match, a 4-0 win against minnows New Zealand.

Central defender Pepe, who was released by Real Madrid, would be sidelined after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament.

“The Chilean team has very good quality players, very dynamic, very strong team spirit,” former Greece’s coach Santos told reporters yesterday during the pre-match press conference.

“We are going to try to be the  better side in tomorrow’s semi-final.”

Portugal, bolstered by the goalscoring form of skipper Cristiano Ronaldo, topped Group A with seven points from three games while Chile finished second in Group B with five.

Current World Cup holders, Germany will face Mexico in the second semi-final tomorrow in Sochi.

PLAYING TODAY
Chile vs Portugal    20.00

PLAYING TOMORROW
Germany vs Mexico    20.00