Robinho's Brazil are through to the last four of the Confederations Cup and looking more formidable as well as stylish with every match they play, to the delight of the crowds in South Africa.

City star Robi was in irresistible mood as the Samba Kings booked Thursday's sell-out semi-final against the host nation by sweeping aside stunned world champions Italy 3-0 to comfortably top qualifying Group B.

He and new Real Madrid signing Kaka combined effortlessly to set up Luis Fabiano's second goal before Robinho's tantalising centre was driven past his own goalkeeper at full stretch by Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena.

No wonder Barcelona are making noises about trying to prise away City's record signing, regardless of Chief Executive Garry Cook's crystal-clear statement last week that the Blues star is not for sale.

But Brazil coach Dunga warns that his team can get even better after devastating their rivals with three goals in eight minutes in Pretoria on Sunday night, the first time Italy have leaked three before the break since 1957.

"We still have a lot to improve on," said Dunga. "We have players of great technical abilities and the more we work together the more we can grow, but we are on the right track. We showed against Italy that we were superior in all aspects of the game. We beat the world champions and we did it in an efficient way."

Brazil arrived off the back of World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Paraguay, and it showed in their edgy 4-3 opener against Egypt. But their form in beating the United States and now Italy was of far better quality.

Midfielder Felipe Melo said: "I think we played an almost perfect match. I expected more from Italy, I thought they would be more dangerous, but we didn't allow them to look good. I will remember this match for a long time."

Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva added: "We're getting better and better with each game. The team has now been together for almost a month, which has given us a lot more confidence.

"We are understanding each other a lot more. But it's important to stay focused. You can say that Brazil are almost 100 per cent in the way we are playing, but of course, every game we want to improve and get the right results."

In the other semi-final on Wednesday, European champion Spain face the United States, who qualified against the odds by beating Egypt 3-0.