Brazil omit Ronaldinho

Rio de Janeiro - Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari announced a 22-player squad on Tuesday for the upcoming friendlies against Italy and Russia on March 21 and 25 respectively.

Paris Saint-Germain stars Lucas and Thiago Silva are included along with strikers Neymar of Santos and Zenit Saint-Petersburg's Hulk, but there is no place for former world player of the year Ronaldinho, who is currently playing his club football for Atletico Mineiro.

English side and 2012 Champions League winners Chelsea feature three players in the squad with midfielders Ramires and Oscar as well as centre-back David Luiz.

Queens Park Rangers number one Julio Cesar is expected to keep goal with cover provided by Fluminense custodian Diego Cavalieri, while Real Madrid playmaker Kaka continues his return to form and also retains his place in the squad.

Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Queens Park Rangers/ENG), Diego Cavalieri (Fluminense)

Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona/ESP), Thiago Silva (Paris SG/FRA), Dede (Vasco), Dante (Bayern Munich/GER), David Luiz (Chelsea/ENG), Marcelo (Real Madrid/ESP), Filipe Lus (Atletico Madrid/ESP)

Midfielders: Paulinho (Corinthians), Fernando (Gremio), Ramires (Chelsea/ENG), Jean (Fluminense), Luiz Gustavo (Bayern Munich/GER), Hernanes (Lazio/ITA), Kaka (Real Madrid/ESP), Oscar (Chelsea/ENG), Lucas (Paris SG/FRA), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid/ESP)

Strikers: Neymar (Santos), Fred (Fluminense), Hulk (Zenit St-Petersburg/RUS)