[Portman]

Pato nets Brazil call 

(IMG:http://blog.nikefutebol.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/661510590_7eabc709cd_o.jpg)

Tuesday 22 January, 2008 ::: channel4.com

Brazil boss Carlos Dunga has included Milan’s Alexandre Pato in his squad for the forthcoming friendly against the Republic of Ireland.

The 18-year-old has played just two Serie A games for the Italian club, but he’s already done enough to catch the eye of the former Fiorentina and Pescara midfield enforcer.

Pato, who was signed in the summer for £15m but unable to play until January, scored on his Italian debut against Napoli before struggling against Udinese on Sunday.

But Pato, uncapped by the Selecao’s full side, could make an appearance for his country in the Dublin test on February 6.

Dunga has picked 10 players under the age of 23 as he’s looking at his options for the 2008 Olympic Games in the summer.

Other Serie A players in Dunga’s party are Milan’s Golden Ball winner Kaka, as well as Inter rivals Julio Cesar and Douglas Maicon.

Brazil will also play a London friendly against Sweden on March 26 in a repeat of the 1958 World Cup Final.