Adriano was not registered by Inter for the Champions League, though was impressive in their defeat of Catania on the weekend.

Zico said: "I would have loved to have had Adriano in attack for Japan at the World Cup. With him in the team, we would have gone far.

"We're friends and I'm pleased he played so well on Sunday. Indeed, I want him to have a beautiful career. It's better for us not to face him tonight."