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Carlo Ancelotti has begun a ruthless overhaul of the Brazil national team, axing several established stars after a disappointing World Cup campaign. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson finds himself among the highest-profile casualties as the Italian coach shifts focus toward a new generation of South American talent, with a squad now set for friendlies against Australia and a historic trip to India.
Ancelotti Axes Veterans for Youth
Ancelotti has launched a comprehensive rebuild of the national team following a dismal World Cup campaign. The manager has named a highly youthful squad for upcoming exhibition matches, omitting several familiar faces in the process.
Alisson’s exclusion stands as the most striking decision. Veteran midfielders Casemiro and Fabinho have also been left off the roster, while Neymar remains absent following his recent international retirement.
This selection fulfils a promise Ancelotti made after a shock round-of-16 elimination to Norway. He has specifically targeted players eligible for the 2028 Olympic Games, aiming to build a fresh core ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
Moving Past World Cup Pain
The recent exit clearly left a mark on Ancelotti. The coach admitted that recovering from international disappointment presents a different challenge than anything he has faced at club level.
“The World Cup was a disappointment for us and for me personally,” Ancelotti revealed, as quoted by ESPN. “The pain of the defeat lingers much longer. Now, however, we are motivated by the fact that we have time to prepare for a new cycle and get ready for the upcoming competitions.”
He also addressed his decision to overhaul the goalkeeping department, explaining that Alisson’s international future remains open.
“We know Alisson very well, and when the competitions, like the Copa America, come, if he remains being the best goalkeeper in Brazil, Alisson will play. Right now, however, we have to prioritise the younger ones.”
Experience Guides the New Core
Despite the sweeping changes, Ancelotti has retained a select group of senior players to steer the squad through transition. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and Barcelona winger Raphinha will lead the attack alongside Chelsea’s Joao Pedro, who returns after missing the World Cup. Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos and new Arsenal signing Bruno Guimaraes also remain to provide leadership on the pitch.
“I chose these players to help with this change in direction,” Ancelotti explained. “They are crucial for the future and will help the younger players improve. One thing is certain: a player who is 34 or 35 years old isn’t the future; they are the present. If a player of that age is ready to play in a major tournament, they will be in the national squad.”
History Awaits the New-Look Squad
This rebuilt side will first head to Australia for a double-header of friendly fixtures. They face the Socceroos in Townsville on September 25 before a second clash in Brisbane four days later.
The Selecao will then make history by travelling to Kolkata on October 3, marking the five-time world champions’ first ever match in India, a nation home to millions of passionate supporters of the team.
Brazil Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Hugo Souza
- Pedro Morisco
- Otavio
Defenders:
- Arthur Dias
- Wesley
- Marquinhos
- Gabriel Magalhaes
- Douglas Santos
- Jair
- Matheuzinho
- Maurio Junior
- Vitor Reis
Midfielders:
- Bruno Guimaraes
- Andrey Santos
- Danilo Santos
- Douglas Luiz
- Breno Bidon
- Gabriel Bontempo
Forwards:
- Endrick
- Joao Pedro
- Estevao
- Pedro
- Raphinha
- Rayan
- Samuel Lino
- Vinicius Junior
Read also: Manchester United vs Sabah, Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt: Champions League Betting Tips 10 September
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