Fluminense’s Martinelli Eyes Brazil Debut After Ancelotti Call-Up

Fluminense midfielder Martinelli is hoping to turn his first Brazil call-up into a senior debut after Carlo Ancelotti brought him into the squad as an injury replacement for Chelsea forward João Pedro. The 24-year-old was an unused substitute in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Australia in Townsville and now has two further opportunities in the current international window.

Key takeaways

• Martinelli was added to Brazil’s group after João Pedro withdrew through injury.
• The Fluminense player described a place in the national-team set-up as a major career milestone.
• He sought guidance from club colleague Thiago Silva, who previously played under Ancelotti at AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
• Brazil meet Australia again on Tuesday before facing India on Saturday.
• Martinelli has risen through Fluminense’s academy system since 2017 and won major domestic and continental honours with the club.

A chance to impress Ancelotti

Martinelli said he intends to make full use of the training time available alongside the squad’s Europe-based players as Ancelotti and his staff incorporate the latest arrivals into their approach.

Thiago Silva was one of the first people Martinelli consulted after receiving the late summons. The veteran centre-back has worked with Ancelotti during successful periods at both Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, and offered insight into the Italian’s management of players and the standards expected day to day.

Martinelli said Silva had spoken to him about his former manager and passed on useful details. He added that the call-up was an important point in his career and that he wants to contribute to the coach and his Brazil team-mates.

The midfielder also underlined the responsibility he attaches to representing the country, saying every player wants to wear the Brazil badge and must regard the opportunity as a privilege worth giving everything for.

Fluminense foundations

The call-up follows a sustained rise at Fluminense, where Martinelli entered the youth set-up in 2017. His time with the Rio de Janeiro club has brought two Carioca Championship titles, the Copa Libertadores and the Recopa Sudamericana.

He credited Fluminense with helping to form both his development as a footballer and his maturity away from the pitch. Martinelli said he had concentrated on delivering for his club rather than becoming distracted by supporters’ expectations over a potential Brazil selection.

Having watched the opening Australia match from the bench, his immediate objective is to earn a first senior cap against the Australians on Tuesday or in Saturday’s meeting with India.