Diniz targets league rise as Corinthians face gruelling run and weigh right-back solution | OneFootball

Fernando Diniz says Corinthians aim to climb the Brasileirão and treat every match as decisive during a congested spell before the World Cup pause on 1 July 2026.

According to Meu Timao, the club have 14 fixtures in that window, across the Libertadores group stage, Brasileirão and Copa do Brasil.

After a 0-0 draw with leaders Palmeiras at Neo Química Arena in the 11th round, Corinthians sit 16th on 11 points. Diniz said the priority is to rise in the table and push to progress on all fronts, approaching each game as if it were a final.

The week brings three different competitions. On Wednesday they host Colombia’s Independiente Santa Fe at 21:30 in the second round of Group E, then visit Vitória at the Barradão at 20:00 on Saturday. The following week they face Barra-SC in the first leg of the fifth phase of the Copa do Brasil.

For the next league game, right-back Matheuzinho is suspended after his derby red card. Deputy Pedro Milans missed the last two matches with a left ankle sprain, and Diniz noted there is still time before Vitória, with no decision yet on whether to use a specialist or improvise.

Milans joined at the start of the season after leaving Peñarol, is 24, and has played five times with three wins and two draws. If he is not fit, Diniz could again turn to André Carrillo, who filled in against Palmeiras.

Source: Meu Timao