Brazil to face Australia in friendly

Brazil, led by Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti, and host Australia are looking to use their two consecutive friendly matches as the first stage in a rebuilding process following the FIFA World Cup.

Brazil will face Australia in Townsville on Friday before a second encounter in Brisbane next Tuesday.

These matches will mark the first appearances for both teams since their World Cup campaigns ended in July.

Australia was eliminated in the Round of 32, while five-time champions Brazil suffered a surprising defeat to Norway in the Round of 16.

In response, the Italian coach selected only nine players from Brazil’s World Cup squad for the two matches against Australia and the friendly against India in Kolkata on October 3.

Chelsea forwards João Pedro and Estêvão have been recalled, while Ancelotti has included several new faces, including goalkeepers Pedro Morisco and Otávio, defender Mauro Júnior, and midfielders Brino Pedon and Gabriel Pontimbo.