Abel Ferreira set for reunion with Paulo Autuori as Palmeiras face Fortaleza | OneFootball

Palmeiras begin their Copa do Brasil round of 16 on Sunday, 2 August, at 16:00 Brasília time at Nubank Parque against Fortaleza. The tie also brings a reunion for Abel Ferreira and Paulo Autuori.

Long before Abel became one of Palmeiras’ most successful coaches, Autuori gave his career an early push. While working as a director at Penafiel, he was among those who brought the then right-back to the Portuguese club, where Abel continued his playing days, Nosso Palestra notes.

The pair maintained their relationship over the years, and professional respect endured even as their paths diverged. They now meet again in a national knockout.

That reunion could have happened months earlier in the Copa Libertadores group stage. Autuori was in charge of Sporting Cristal, a Palmeiras opponent, but left the Peruvian side before facing Abel’s team.

Now leading Fortaleza, Autuori’s first major task comes against the coach whose progress he followed from its earliest steps in Portugal.

Source: Nosso Palestra