Ancelotti Plans Central Raphinha Role for Brazil’s Australia Rematch
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Brazil will make changes for Tuesday’s Australia rematch, with Raphinha being prepared for a central attacking role after the first friendly ended in a draw.
What we know
- Brazil avoided defeat against Australia last week only when youngster Rayan struck late. Raphinha, wearing the No. 10 shirt behind Endrick, created that equaliser but did not score.
- Ancelotti said the side would be altered “a little”, with personnel and shape both expected to shift.
- Raphinha has been tested as Brazil’s centre-forward in training. Vinicius and Rayan are expected to operate either side of him.
- The projected midfield has Danilo and Bruno Guimaraes alongside Gabriel Bontempo. Otavio is set to start in goal, behind Vanderson, Jair Cunha, Gabriel Magalhaes and Mauro Junior.
- The 29-year-old has thrived in a No. 9 role for Barcelona this season, scoring 14 goals in eight matches: 12 in La Liga and two in the Champions League. He has also supplied three assists.
- Barcelona’s switch came after Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres departed, and Brazil now hope the same central role can address their own issues at centre-forward.
Australia test comes next
Brazil face Australia again on Tuesday, giving Ancelotti an immediate chance to assess the reshaped front line in match conditions.
The five-time world champions then travel to Kolkata to play India on Saturday, October 3. Those fixtures will be used to establish a more settled identity under Ancelotti after Brazil’s recent tournament setbacks.
