Corinthians cautious about Pato debut

Corinthians coach Tite admitted Sunday he does not know when Brazil international striker Alexandre Pato will make his debut for the club.

Pato joined the reigning FIFA Club World Cup champions last week after five years with Italian Serie A giants AC Milan.

The Sao Paulo-based outfit has prescribed a special training program designed to nurture the 23-year-old back to full fitness following a sequence of injuries that has restricted him to just 25 matches in the past two years.

"Pato is progressing but he is still in the process of reaching match fitness," Tite said on Sunday after his team's 1-0 victory over Mirassol in the Campeonato Paulista.

"Until the physical trainers give me permission to select him I am going to be on their case. I will be doing my best to make sure that he is playing sooner rather than later."

Original:

 

Pato: I Want To Go To The Olympics

AC Milan's newest golden boy Alexandre Pato has announced that it would be fulfilling a dream of his to represent Brazil in the Beijing Olympics this summer.

The teenage sensation has been an absolute smash since joining the Rossoneri from Internacional last summer, and he is hoping to perform similar heroics for his country on Chinese soil.

“I want to go to the Olympics,” revealed the hyper-talented 18-year-old. “I dream of winning a gold medal for Brazil, but it depends on Milan.”

“In the future I am counting on winning lots of trophies in Rossonero and a World Cup with the Selecao. I also want to become the best player in the world.”

The powers that be at Milan will not have been too enthused to learn of Pato's olympic desires, just as they were resistant to the same claims made by Kaka last month.

Although the Olympics conclude before the start of the 08/09 Serie A season, the Rossoneri are still hoping to secure fourth place this season which would necissitate them to secure qualification to the Champions League proper by undergoing a pre-season preliminary phase.

http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=670168

Kaka tips English clubs for glory

Brazilian Fifa world player of the year Kaka believes any of the four English clubs could win the Champions League.

English teams have won the trophy only twice in the 15 years since the Premier League was formed but the AC Milan midfielder, 25, expects that to change.

He told BBC Sport: "Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all excellent and any of them could win it.

"I believe all the four English clubs have a great chance of making it all the way to the final in Moscow in May."

If one day I had to leave I would like to play in another big European team

AC Milan midfielder Kaka

All four English teams have a chance to progress when the quarter-final second legs take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, with only one definitely going out because Liverpool face Arsenal.

Kaka, who won the competition with Milan in 2007, added: "In the last five or six years, English teams have improved a lot and they are consistently at a high level now.

"But you cannot rule out the other big clubs involved still, such as Barcelona."

Kaka, who is also the reigning Golden Ball winner and FifPro world player of the year, would not rule out playing for one of the Premier League's big clubs in the future.

606: DEBATE

Do you agree with Kaka's comments?

"I am very happy here in Milan but if one day I had to leave I would like to play in another big European team," confirmed the former Sao Paulo star.

"The biggest clubs are in Italy, England and Spain so it would be in one of these countries, although it is clear they play differently in these places.

"I can compare Spain to Brazil as they play a similar type of game, the way the players play.

"The leagues are very similar in the sense that all the teams play very tactically and it is very difficult to score goals.

"I think these three championships are the most important in the world at the present moment, all very good and competitive."

Kaka has played for Milan since 2003 when he signed from Sao Paulo for £4.25m. In his time in Italy he came up against England coach Fabio Capello many times - when the Italian was at Roma and Juventus.

KAKA FACTFILE

Born: 22/4/1982, Brasilia

Full name: Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite

Clubs: Sao Paulo, Milan

Major honours: Serie A (2004), Champions League (2007), Super Cup (2003, 2007) World Cup (2002)

Brazil: 59 apps, 22 goals

Kaka says he believes the Football Association have made a very shrewd appointment, despite the criticism they received for appointing another foreigner in the England post.

"I don't think there is any doubt that Fabio Capello is a very fine manager," said Kaka. "I believe he can win a lot with the England team in the time he spends as the national team manager.

"It would have been something new if Capello had been the first foreign coach with England but Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson has already been there.

"Brazil has always had a Brazilian coach and the same for Italy but in England it has happened before so it's not a big deal having a foreign coach."

Kaka has dropped below his usual sublime standards this season, with Milan lying in fifth place in Serie A and losing to Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League too.

But, despite his inconsistent form and a season disrupted by tendinitis in his knee, Kaka wants to experience the high of being named the world's best player again.

"It was a big honour to win the award, there are a lot of players in the world and to come first was a great feeling," he revealed.

Kaka

Kaka (left) has great expectations for fellow countryman Pato

"I'm very happy to have had that and I would like to win it again because the sensation of winning that type of award is unique.

"I don't think I am the best player in the world, I just think I'm one of the best, with others such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o."

Kaka also predicts his Brazilian team-mate at Milan, 18-year-old striking sensation Alexandre Pato, will join him as a winner of the top individual prize in football one day.

"As for Pato, he is an amazing player. He is very young though, only 18-years-old," commented Kaka.

"He has an incredible future ahead of him and he can do a lot of things with Milan. He needs to be allowed to grow and to improve without too much pressure on him."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7290977.stm

Happy To Stay

Kaka has once again declared his happiness at Milan, while he has also predicted a massive future for team-mate Alexandre Pato.

The current European and World Footballer of the Year has endured something of a frustrating campaign due to injury.

With Milan struggling to qualify for next season’s Champions League, there have been fears that top players, like Kaka, may want to leave the club.

“I am very happy here in Milan, but if one day I had to leave I would like to play for another big European team,” he told BBC Sport.

“The biggest clubs are in Italy, England and Spain, so I would have to be in one of those countries, although it is clear that they play differently in these places.”

Pato

Kaka’s compatriot Alexandre Pato has enjoyed a wonderful start to his Milan career, having scored seven goals in 14 league appearances since his debut in January.

“As for Pato, he is an amazing player. But he is very young though at just 18-years-old,” he stated.

“He has an incredible future ahead of him and he can do a lot of things for Milan. He needs to be allowed to grow and to improve without too much pressure on him.”

Champions League

The English Premiership is dominating the Champions League this season, and Kaka believes that one of the four teams left have a great chance of winning the competition.

“Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all excellent and any of them could win it,” he noted.

“I believe that all four English clubs have a great chance of making it all the way to Moscow for the Final in May.

“In the last five or six years, English teams have improved a lot and they are consistently at a high level now. But you can’t rule out the other big clubs still involved, such as Barcelona.”

Capello

Finally, Kaka backed former AC Milan and Juventus coach Fabio Capello to turn around England's fortunes on the international stage.

"I don't think there is any doubt that Fabio Capello is a very fine manager," he added.

"I believe he can win a lot with the England team in the time he spends as the national team manager."

http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=650259

Pato as good as Ronaldo says Dunga

Brazil coach Dunga believes Alexandre Pato can emulate Ronaldo after the teenage prodigy marked his international debut with a sublime winner against Sweden.Pato, 18, only made his first appearance for AC Milan two months ago but is already being heralded as a phenomenal talent. He underlined his huge potential with a breathtaking cameo at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on Wednesday to clinch a 1-0 victory over Sweden.

The young star had only been on the pitch for 12 minutes as a second-half substitute when he punished Rami Shaaban’s mistake with a curling effort from an acute angle wide on the left wing.

Ronaldo, a World Cup winner in 2002, played alongside Dunga earlier in his career and the Selecao coach is convinced Pato has the same world-beating ability as his Milan teammate.

“He is in the style of Ronaldo at that age,” Dunga said. “They both like to get involved and try to do what you tell them. You have to give players like that room to be creative.

“I don’t think he is a normal talent. There are some people that can make a big difference and he is one of those players.

“He has developed in the time he has been in Italy and already has good standing at Milan.

“He is very young for this but he is humble, modest and keeps working.

“It was an important goal. To do this in his first game gives him confidence.”

It was fitting Pato made such an instant impact in a match arranged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Brazil’s first World Cup final triumph, a 5-2 win over the Swedes that established Pele as the game’s first global star.

While Dunga is excited to work with Pato, he is keen to let the precocious youngster develop at his own pace. The next step will be to take part in the Olympics Games in Beijing later this year.

“He is ready to start. He has the Olympic Games coming up and that is a big opportunity for him,” Dunga said. “He’s a really promising player but we can’t put too much responsibility on him. We have to break him in gently.

“We can’t expect him to do everything on his own. He has to come into his game naturally but he definitely has talent.

There are a lot of expectations but we don’t want to exaggerate.”

http://soccerglobe.net/2008/04/02/pato-as-good-as-ronaldo-says-dunga/

Scolari: Don’t Destroy Pato

Former Brazil national team boss Luiz Felipe Scolari says that Milan sensation Alexandre Pato is being over-hyped, and is worried that this could have a negative effect on the teenager.

Pato was presented as the new phenomenon of Brazilian football when he signed for Milan from Internacional last summer.

Since making his debut for the Rossoneri in January, the 18-year-old has not disappointed, and has already scored seven goals in just 14 Serie A appearances.

However Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning boss Luiz Felipe Scolari is worried that the striker is receiving too much praise, and is being over-hyped.

"Alexandre Pato is a great player, but is not currently outstanding,” said the Gene Hackman-lookalike, who is now in charge of Portugal.

"To make sure that he becomes a phenomenon we have to see how he handles the lifestyle that goes with playing on and off the pitch.

"Right now he is great, but we cannot get too enthusiastic. If we force him onto the red carpet, he could also stumble."

Pato had a sensational international debut, when he came off the bench to score Brazil’s winner in their 1-0 friendly win over Sweden last week in London.

http://goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=646536

Brazil-Sweden: Alexandre Pato Joins Elite Group

After scoring that beauty of a goal against Sweden Alexandre Pato succeeded in doing that which few have done in netting on his very first outing for Brazil.

In doing so Pato has joined the ranks of a list that previously only had four players: Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Zico, Pele and now Pato.

Pato having joined this elite club now has to live up to the weight of the yellow jersey and the Royalty of the other legendary names he now stands with side by side.

Only time will tell if Pato can go on to become a world-class football legend.

Judging by the quality of that goal against poor old Rami Shaaban there must be great things to come.

However many a great potential star has faded to injury and other circumstances so for now it's just wait and see.

The Olympics could be a good playing field for Pato to affirm himself with a title.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/15340

Pato Flattered By Pele Comparisons

AC Milan's teenage prodigy Alexandre Pato has admitted to being flattered to be compared to Brazilian football god Pele, but insisted that his focus is now strictly on helping his club qualify for the Champions League next season.

Things could hardly be going better for the 18-year-old at the moment, as last weekend he scored the only goal of the game as Milan won 1-0 at Torino, and then in midweek he made a dream debut for the Brazil, during which he was also the match-winner during the 1-0 friendly win over Sweden.

"I am happy with this goal on my debut and it makes me delighted that some people consider me the next Pele," beamed Pato.

"Pele, who scored in the 1958 World Cup final against Sweden, is my idol.

"At the moment my career is going well and I have to work very hard in order to continue with the national team.

"I am delighted with all the compliments I have received from so many people.

"But now my focus is on the domestic league and we have to concentrate in order to finish fourth in the standings and return to play in the Champions League next season."

The Rossoneri currently face a real struggle to qualify for next season's Champions League as they trail fourth-placed Fiorentina by four points. There will be added pressure on Pato today as Ronaldo, Filippo Inzaghi and Kaka are all unavailable through injury, while Alberto Gilardino is doubtful with the flu.

http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=640248

Soccer-Brazil celebrates but Dunga pours cold water on Pato

Alexandre Pato's spectacular debut goal for Brazil has brought comparisons with Pele and Ronaldo, gushing praise and endless television replays -- everything that coach Dunga has been trying to avoid.

Just as he did as a player, Dunga has made hard work and team spirit his watchwords and tried to keep celebrity culture out of the national team.

The days when celebrities would turn up at the Brazil training camp in Teresopolis to be photographed with the likes of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho have been pushed aside as Dunga attempts to prevent any particular player getting more attention than his team mates.

When asked about Kaka's spectacular goals against Ecuador and Peru last year, Dunga dodged the questions and instead heaped praise on the midfield markers Josue and Mineiro.

Dunga last year resisted pressure to give Pato an early international debut, saying that the player was still not experienced.

When he finally relented in Wednesday night's friendly against Sweden and brought Pato on as a second-half substitute, the AC Milan player needed only 12 minutes to score his first goal for his country.

The 18-year-old chased Rami Shaaban towards the right touchline as the substitute goalkeeper looked set for an easy clearance and contrived to block the ball, swivel and send an exquisite left-footed lob into the unguarded net.

FAMILY SUPPORT

On Thursday afternoon, the goal -- the only high point of an otherwise drab game -- was still being replayed on Brazilian television.

The Folha de Sao Paulo began the comparisons with past greats by pointing out that both Pele and Ronaldo had taken longer to score their first international goals.

According to the Folha, Pele scored 32 minutes into his debut against Argentina in 1957 while Ronaldo needed 51 minutes' play to hit the target, the goal coming against Iceland in 1994.

Pato's goal brought more praise from Sweden coach Lars Lagerback than Dunga himself.

In typical style, Dunga praised Pato more for closing down Shaaban than for the quick thinking and clinical efficiency of his lob.

"He has technical quality, but I liked how he went to put the goalkeeper in difficulty," Dunga said. "He has everything to be a crack (player), but let's see (how good he is) after 40 games."

Fortunately for Dunga, the shy Pato does not seem the type to get carried away.

His brief interview to Brazilian television made even the notoriously non-committal comments of Ronaldinho look outspoken and hard-hitting in comparison.

"It's always nice to get off to a good start," he said, before repeatedly thanking his family for their support.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldFootballNews/idUKB84275920080327

Pato can emulate Ronaldo says Brazil football coach Dunga

LONDON (AFP) — Brazil coach Dunga believes Alexandre Pato can emulate Ronaldo after the teenage prodigy marked his international debut with a sublime winner against Sweden.

Pato, 18, only made his first appearance for AC Milan two months ago but is already being heralded as a phenomenal talent. He underlined his huge potential with a breathtaking cameo at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Wednesday to clinch a 1-0 victory over Sweden.

The young star had only been on the pitch for 12 minutes as a second-half substitute when he punished Rami Shaaban's mistake with a curling effort from an acute angle wide on the left wing.

Ronaldo, a World Cup winner in 2002, played alongside Dunga earlier in his career and the Selecao coach is convinced Pato has the same world-beating ability as his Milan teammate.

"He is in the style of Ronaldo at that age," Dunga said. "They both like to get involved and try to do what you tell them. You have to give players like that room to be creative.

"I don't think he is a normal talent. There are some people that can make a big difference and he is one of those players.

"He has developed in the time he has been in Italy and already has good standing at Milan.

"He is very young for this but he is humble, modest and keeps working.

"It was an important goal. To do this in his first game gives him confidence."

It was fitting Pato made such an instant impact in a match arranged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Brazil's first World Cup final triumph, a 5-2 win over the Swedes that established Pele as the game's first global star.

While Dunga is excited to work with Pato, he is keen to let the precocious youngster develop at his own pace. The next step will be to take part in the Olympics Games in Beijing later this year.

"He is ready to start. He has the Olympic Games coming up and that is a big opportunity for him," Dunga said. "He's a really promising player but we can't put too much responsibility on him. We have to break him in gently.

"We can't expect him to do everything on his own. He has to come into his game naturally but he definitely has talent.

There are a lot of expectations but we don't want to exaggerate."

Pato's introduction on the hour deflected attention from the rough treatment given to Anderson, who came on at the same time.

The Manchester United midfielder was jeered whenever he touched the ball by a large section of a near-capacity crowd that clearly contained plenty of Arsenal fans.

Dunga was impressed with the way Anderson coped with the abuse. "He plays for Manchester United and there is some ill-feeling there. He has shown his personality and showed that it didn't affect him at all," Dunga said.

With Kaka injured and Ronaldinho dropped by Dunga, Pato timed his claims for a regular place perfectly ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Argentina and the Olympic Games later this year.

He had already played at the Emirates for Milan against Arsenal earlier this month. He was subdued that night but stole the show in the 72nd minute this time.

When Swedish substitute goalkeeper Shaaban miscued his clearance into Pato's legs just outside the left-edge of the penalty area the teenager still had plenty to do.

He managed it with aplomb, lifting a perfectly-placed shot into the far corner from an acute angle to announce his arrival on the world stage.

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback was unhappy with his side's finishing and said: "We have to be a bit sharper when it really matters. We need to finish better, we're not good enough in that area.

"We have to make sure we are better in the final third and go all the way.

"But we got what we wanted. It was a good test against a great team. Perhaps we were a bit passive but it was just what we wanted before the European Championships."

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gbLKFSC2V0xNbaiLKhT_FsBb9PsA

Brazilian Breakout: Hugely hyped Pato has shown flashes of a big future

Alexandre Pato's dynamite debut has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a mostly disappointing season for AC Milan.

As first nights go, it could hardly have been more impressive.

Suddenly, the months of media hype around 18-year-old Brazilian Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva, otherwise known as Pato, seemed justified. AC Milan's new kid on the block made a stunning Serie A debut against Napoli at San Siro on the first match day of the new year, giving an assured, mature performance that he crowned with a superb goal.

With Milan 4-2 up in the 84th minute, it appeared to be over. Not for Pato, however. Timing his run perfectly, he got on the end of a 50-meter clearance by fullback Giuseppe Favalli. Taking the ball down with one delicate touch, he outflanked both Napoli defender Maurizio Domizzi and goalkeeper GennaroIezzo to score a goal that combined all the qualities you might expect of a Brazilian superstar: touch, pace, control and sheer style.

The fans at soccer's La Scala quite rightly gave him a standing ovation. After all, the pressure had been such on this first night that no one would have been surprised if he had fallen flat on his face.

We have been hearing a lot about the teenager ever since Milan paid Brazil's Internacional $33 million for him last summer. At the time, Pato was still only 17 and, under FIFA regulations, could not be registered with a European club. But such was his promise that Milan opted to buy him anyway, putting him on ice until he turned 18 last September, when he could be put on their books. That at least meant no other club could get their hands on him.

The situation was similar to that of Pato's illustrious compatriot, Kaká, four years ago. Worried by the potentially tempting offers that might be being made to him by Chelsea and Real Madrid, Milan had brought Kaká to Italy one year ahead of schedule.

Soon the word was out about Pato. Milan has a new superstar. This lad can do everything in training. He is fast, plays off either foot and scores goals non-stop. Soon, too, the folks at the club's Milanello training complex started to speak about how things would be, later in the season, when Pato could finally play for them.

When the Brazilian returned from his Christmas break, reporters were at Malpensa airport to meet him. That day will probably be the last Pato can walk through its arrivals lounge like any other passenger.

In the meantime, the pressure on the "boy" was building as coach CarloAncelotti likened him to former Brazilian ace Careca; "old man" Paolo Maldini commented on the Brazilian's "ability, speed and personality"; and two days before Pato's debut, battling midfielder Gennaro Gattuso said: "He's just an 18-year-old, but we expect a lot of him because in the four months he has been training with us at Milanello, he has shown us a lot."

This was an ominously heavy build-up, and the list of great names that have flopped on their Serie A debuts includes such luminaries as Michel Platini, Zinédine Zidane and Ronaldo.

Instead, Pato shone against Napoli. "I have never seen anyone make a start like that," said former Milan and Brazil striker José Altafini. "He was under huge pressure, yet he played with total calm. I tell you, this boy has personality."

"Pato-mania" broke out among the Milan fans, who had invented a new term for the team's Brazilian strike force: Ka-Pa-Ro -- Kaká, Pato and Ronaldo. (That lethal trio has, of course, been shelved as Ronaldo recovers from yet another injury.)

Two weeks later, Pato scored both goals in Milan's 2-0 home Serie A win over Genoa. The following weekend, he scored the only goal at Fiorentina, another brilliantly effort that again underlined his touch, pace and control. But a few minutes later, Pato injured an ankle which also cost him the chance of a senior Brazil debut against the Republic of Ireland last month.

Once again, the anticipation rose ahead of his return to action in the first leg on Milan's Champions League loss to Arsenal late last month. But the youngster has shown he can handle it -- and then some.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/world_soccer/03/17/pato/

Pato in and Ronaldinho out of Brazil squad

AC Milan's 18-year-old striker Alexandre Pato is to make his Brazil debut after being named in the squad for the friendly against Sweden in London later this month.

Barcelona's Ronaldinho was left out while four other uncapped players were called up, coach Dunga naming several hopefuls for the Beijing Olympics.

Dunga urged Brazilians not to get carried away with the recent performances of Pato, who was included in the squad for last month's game with Ireland but had to pull out because of injury.

"Alexandre has played some good games but, in the desire to create another star quickly, people get carried away," said Dunga.

"We mustn't put too much responsibility on him. Young players have problems with consistency, their performances vary a lot."

Although Ronaldinho has been playing for Barcelona recently, Dunga suggested that the former World Player of the Year was not fully match fit.

"He's getting better, he's starting to play again and it's important that he continues this way," he said.

"With the Brazilian team, there's not much time to train. We have two important World Cup qualifiers in June and we want him to be fully fit by then."

Brazil are away to Paraguay in June and face Argentina at home four days later.

Dunga also called up uncapped goalkeeper Diego Alves, defender Leo, midfielder Hernanes and forward Thiago Neves.

Dunga will also be in charge of the Olympic team, where Brazil are attempting to win their first soccer gold medal.

http://football.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-7376407,00.html

Lucio, Kaka, Pato dropped from Brazil's friendly against Ireland with injuries

AC Milan players Kaka and Alexandre Pato were dropped from Brazil's roster for its upcoming friendly against Ireland because of injuries.

Kaka sustained a blow to his left knee in his team's 1-0 win over Fiorentina in the Italian league on Sunday, while Pato twisted his right ankle in the same match, the Brazilian soccer confederation said on its Web site late Sunday.

Brazil coach Dunga had yet to decide whether replacements would be summoned for Wednesday's match in Dublin.

Earlier Sunday, Werder Bremen defender Naldo was called to replace injured Bayern Munich defender Lucio, who was injured in his team's 2-1 victory over Hansa Rostock in the German league on Friday.

Last week, Flamengo defender Leonardo Moura was summoned to replace Inter Milan defender Maicon, who also was injured.

Dunga has said he intends to test several newcomers against Ireland in preparation for the Beijing Olympics in August. Brazil has never won the men's Olympic soccer title.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/04/sports/LA-SPT-SOC-Brazil-Injuries.php

Soccer-Milan make up ground

AC Milan's creep up the Serie A table could be given more impetus on Wednesday when they visit struggling Reggina in the first of their two games in hand.

The European champions, who endured a poor first half of the season, are now up to seventh following Sunday's 2-0 win over Genoa when new Brazilian striker Pato scored twice.

The 18-year-old played upfront on his own at the San Siro and may be called upon to do so again at Reggina with injury-plagued Ronaldo struggling with a muscle problem.

"Pato has been fundamental. He is starting to get to know Italian football better," team mate Kaka told reporters.

Australian Zeljko Kalac is likely to deputise for the tired Dida again as Milan play a match rearranged from when they won the Club World Cup in Japan in December. They host Livorno in their last game in hand on Feb. 13.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldFootballNews/idUKL2859625620080128?sp=true

Dunga calls Pato, nine other U23s for Brazil-Ireland friendly in Dublin

AC Milan midfielder Alexandre Pato and nine of his under-23 teammates were selected Tuesday by Dunga for Brazil's friendly match against Ireland on Feb. 6 in Dublin.

Goalkeeper Renan; defenders Rafinha, Breno, Marcelo, Hernanes and Lucas; fellow midfielders Anderson and Thiago Neves; and striker Rafael Sobis will join Pato, who earlier this month made his Italian league debut.

Dunga has said he intends to test several newcomers in preparation for the Beijing Olympics in August.

"It is important for these players to acquire experience in the national team,'' the Brazilian soccer confederation said in a statement. "There are more games ahead us during which we will be able to observe players that may chosen to go to Beijing.''

Roster:

Goalkeepers: Renan (Internacional), Maicon (Internazionale), Julio Cesar (Internazionale).

Defenders: Rafinha (Schalke), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Lucio (Bayern), Luisao (Benfica), Breno(Bayern), Alex (Chelsea), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Hernanes (Sao Paulo), Josue (Wolfsburg), Lucas (Liverpool).

Midfielders: Richarlyson (Sao Paulo), Anderson (Manchester), Thiago Neves (Fluminense), Kaka(Milan), Julio Baptista(Real Madrid, Alexandre Pato(Milan), Robinho (Real Madrid).

Strikers: Luis Fabiano(Sevilla), Rafael Sobis (Real Betis).

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/soccer/wires/01/22/2080.ap.la.spt.soc.brazil.squad.0260/

Soccer-Milan's Pato (from Brazil) targets immediate starting spot

New AC Milan forward Pato has set his sights on starting Sunday's Serie A match at home to Napoli after arriving in Italy.

The 18-year-old, a sensation at the 2007 World Youth Cup, signed for the European champions in August from Brazil's Internacional but has had to wait until January to become eligible.

A late bureaucratic hitch threatened to rob Pato of the chance to make his debut but the Italian league said last week that his registration had been completed and barring any more red tape he now looks poised to link up with compatriot Kaka.

"I feel ready to start. Certainly there is a bit of emotion but I'm calm. I don't feel any pressure," Pato told reporters after arriving in Milan at the weekend.

"I have a week of training in front of me. I have to work hard and then I will hope to be on the field from the start."

Noises from Milan's mid-season training camp in Dubai have suggested Pato could well be thrown in at the deep end when their stuttering Serie A season resumes on Sunday.

Milan have failed to win at the San Siro against Italian opposition this season and are languishing in mid-table.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is under pressure and despite saying in August that Pato was one for the future, he looks ready to put his faith in the youngster straight away, especially as Ronaldo and Filippo Inzaghi are not fully fit.

"He will definitely give us something more in terms of quality and we are not scared of giving the lad too much responsibility," Ancelotti said last week.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldFootballNews/idUKL0773411620080107