Dunga denies snubbing Serie A-based Brazilians

Alex Sandro was left out of Dunga's latest Brazil squad
but the coach insists he is not averse to picking players
from Serie A.

Brazil head coach Dunga has denied suggestions he is unwilling
to select players from Italy's Serie A for the national team.

Juventus duo Alex Sandro and Hernanes were both overlooked
for the squad to face Argentina and Peru next month, despite
veteran Kaka earning a place in the absence of Liverpool's
Philippe Coutinho.

However, when questioned on whether he is intentionally
overlooking players in Italy's top flight, Dunga pointed to Inter
defender Miranda as evidence to the contrary.

"It's not true that I snub Brazilians playing in Italy," he told
Tuttosport. "Miranda is a leader of the team.

"And I speak with all of them. The problem is that there are 200
million Brazilians and ultimately I can only call up 23."

Dunga has, however, urged Alex Sandro to force his way into
the regular Juventus starting line-up, with the former Porto man
having struggled to usurp French veteran Patrice Evra at left-
back this season.

"I've called up Alex Sandro in the past. The fact that they paid
€26million must be a sign of confidence in the player," Dunga
said.

"Alex Sandro has great qualities. If Roberto Carlos named him a
potential successor, then I trust him.

"Alex Sandro needs to impose himself and work hard. He has
everything to succeed."

Dunga also agrees that comparing Hernanes to former Juve
playmaker Andrea Pirlo places undue pressure on the 30-year-
old's shoulders.

"He was right not to ask to be compared to Pirlo, because Pirlo
is a legend. It put too much pressure on Hernanes," he added.