Overview
- Reports on Sunday say Carlo Ancelotti has tested Raphinha as a No.9 in training and plans to start him as an out‑and‑out striker against Australia in the second friendly.
- The change is part of a near‑complete reshuffle of the Brazil starting XI that would keep only Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior and Bruno Guimarães in place for the next match.
- Ancelotti’s thinking is driven by Raphinha’s club form, with coverage noting he has scored 14 goals this season after being used centrally by Barcelona coach Hansi Flick.
- Barcelona have expressed concern in media reports that heavy minutes for Raphinha on international duty could raise his fatigue or injury risk after he played the full first friendly.
- The trial reflects Ancelotti’s wider rebuild of the Seleção and will be watched for its effect on attacking balance ahead of Brazil’s follow‑up fixtures in Australia and then Kolkata.