Carlo Ancelotti is overhauling the Brazil national team. He tested Raphinha in a central “false 9” role and introduced widespread changes to the lineup during a training session in Brisbane ahead of their upcoming international friendly against Australia.
Tactical Overhaul in Brisbane
Working on the pitch at the training ground on Sunday, October 27, the manager reworked both his midfield trio and defensive structure following an initial 1–1 draw in Townsville.
New Faces on the Pitch
The tactical shift places Raphinha into a central attacking position flanked by Vinícius Júnior on the left and Rayan on the right. According to reports from the training ground, Ancelotti deployed a starting formation featuring Otávio in goal, supported across the backline by Vanderson, Jair, Gabriel Magalhães, and Mauro Júnior, while preserving captain Marquinhos.
Club Success Inspires National Shift
This positional adjustment mirrors tactical trends seen at club level this season, where Barcelona manager Hansi Flick utilized Raphinha centrally, resulting in 14 goals across eight appearances for the Catalan club. For the national team, the tactical adjustment accommodates a restructured midfield anchored by Bruno Guimarães alongside Danilo and newcomer Gabriel Bontempo, who earned a spot in the primary training unit during his first senior national team call-up.
The Road Ahead in Australia
Rayan enters the starting plans after making a significant impact during the first fixture in Townsville, where the young forward entered as a second-half substitute and scored Brazil’s equalizing goal in stoppage time.
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