Adriano is back in Brazil’s squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Chile.
Brazil, which leads the South American qualifying group, plays at Argentina in Rosario on September 5 and hosts Chile four days later in Salvador.
Adriano hadn’t been summoned by coach Dunga since he abandoned Inter Milan in April after saying he was unhappy in Italy. He failed to rejoin the Italian club after Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Peru, which was the last time he was in Brazil colours.
He missed out on the Confederations Cup in South Africa, and the last time Adriano played for Brazil was in the 2-0 win over Italy in a friendly in February.
Now with Flamengo, Adriano has been playing well in the Brazilian league and is one of the competition’s leading scorers with 10 goals.
In addition to Adriano, Dunga summoned most of the players who helped Brazil win its third straight Confederations Cup in June.
The only additions are left back Filipe of Spain’s La Coruna, and defensive midfielder Lucas of Liverpool. Lucas will replace Kleberson, who seriously injured his shoulder in the 1-0 win at Estonia this month.
Not in the 22-man squad again were AC Milan’s Ronaldinho and Corinthians’ Ronaldo, who was recovering from a broken hand.
Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar, Inter Milan defender Lucio, Real Madrid midfielder Kaka and Manchester City striker Robinho have their spots secured.
Brazil leads the South American qualifying with 27 points, one more than Chile and three more than Paraguay. Argentina is fourth with 22 points. The top four nations automatically secure a spot in next year’s World Cup in South Africa.
