All eyes on Corinthians as Brazil’s new boss scouts future stars | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti, newly installed as Brazil's head coach, is set to attend Sunday’s clash between Corinthians and Vitória at Neo Química Arena, lending an additional layer of intrigue to a critical fixture for both sides. Scheduled for 18:30 (Brasília time), the meeting marks the 11th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro and represents Ancelotti’s first live visit to the Corinthians’ home.

The Italian has made a point of immersing himself in Brazilian football since his arrival earlier in the week. After catching Botafogo’s Copa Libertadores draw against Universidad de Chile and Flamengo’s home win over Deportivo Táchira on consecutive nights, Ancelotti now turns his focus to the domestic league’s landscape. With his Brazil debut only days away—set for Thursday in an away World Cup qualifier against Ecuador—he continues to evaluate the local player pool firsthand.

Among the Corinthians squad, goalkeeper Hugo Souza is the lone player included in Ancelotti’s initial Brazil call-up. The squad is missing striker Yuri Alberto, who remains out with injury and is only expected to return after the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup pause. Hugo’s presence will draw particular attention, as Ancelotti weighs his goalkeeping options ahead of a new national team cycle. The coach is also set for a quick turnaround to the same venue: after the Ecuador match, his first home game as Brazil boss will take place at the Neo Química Arena against Paraguay on June 10.

Off the field, Corinthians find themselves navigating significant turbulence. Financial strain remains top of mind, with urgent debts and ongoing leadership uncertainty after a recent change at the club’s helm. This instability arises even as the club welcomes marquee signings and fends off external interest in players such as Yuri Alberto, who is sidelined but remains a rumoured target for European clubs.

Sunday’s match thus arrives with Corinthians under scrutiny both on and off the pitch. With Ancelotti in attendance, the squad has the opportunity to make an impression not only for domestic ambitions, but also as individuals hoping to catch the eye of Brazil’s new coach.

Source: UOL