Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto called into Brazil Copa América squad following injury to Valencia’s Diego Alves

Brazil Head Coach Dunga has added Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto to his squad for next month’s Copa América, following Diego Alves’ withdrawal due to injury.  The Valencia-owned stopper had been included in Dunga’s initial selection, but after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in a 3-2 victory over his former employees Almería in a La Liga […]
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sambafoot_admin
2015-05-24 22:17:00

Brazil Head Coach Dunga has added Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto to his squad for next month’s Copa América, following Diego Alves’ withdrawal due to injury. 

The Valencia-owned stopper had been included in Dunga’s initial selection, but after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in a 3-2 victory over his former employees Almería in a La Liga match on Saturday, he has had to pull out.

How long Alves will be missing for is currently unclear, but with his short-term prospects compromised, Dunga has been forced to act, with Neto the beneficiary.

The 25 year-old is yet to be capped by Brazil at senior level, but has represented them twice with the under-23 side.

His only major tournament experience is the 2012 Summer Olympic Games [London], where he was part of the Brazil side the secured a silver medal, after being beaten by Mexico in the final.

Neto has earned his call up from Dunga due his impressive form with Fiorentina. Since signing for them from Atlético Paranaense in January 2011 for a reported fee of €3.5 million, he has kept 34 clean sheets in 100 appearances.

His choice to announce that he was leaving the Viola when his contract expires in June led to him being temporarily dropped from the side by Head Coach Vincenzo Montella, but he was restored to the line up following an injury to his replacement, Ciprian Tătărușanu.

That decision to bring Neto back in will likely have aided his chances of receiving a call up from Brazil and he will now compete with Botafogo’s Jefferson and Grêmio stopper Marcelo Grohe for playing time in Chile.