Rio de Janeiro - The striker Adriano, of Inter Milan who is currently on loan at Sao Paulo, is set to return to the Brazilian squad following a severe slump in his form and a subsequent recovery, national coach Carlos Dunga said Thursday. Dunga named Adriano for Brazil's upcoming qualifying games for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, against Paraguay and Argentina, set to be played in mid-June.
The striker showed very poor form in the 2006-2007 season in Italy, complete with instances of alcohol abuse, and was loaned out to Sao Paulo until the end of June.
Back in Brazil, he shone again this year and has so far scored six of the team's nine goals in the prestigious Copa Libertadores, where Sao Paulo is currently playing the quarterfinals.
Dunga did not, however, name Adriano for two friendlies against Canada and Venezuela prior to the qualifiers, set to be played in the United States on May 30 and June 6. The coach's decision will allow the powerful forward to continue to help Sao Paulo in the Copa Libertadores.
