Ronaldinho dropped from Brazil squad following missed penalty against England

The former Barcelona player's hopes of featuring at a home World Cup have taken a blow

Ronaldinho up against Joe Hart (Getty Images)

Mercurial forward Ronaldinho was dropped by Brazil todayas coach Luiz Felipe Scolari named his squad for this month's friendlies against Italy and Russia.

Ronaldinho had a miserable game against England last month when he was substituted at halftime after missing a penalty.

Kaka was named in the squad after being left out of the England match, the first of Scolari's second stint in charge.

Brazil, the 2014 World Cup hosts, face Italy in Geneva on March 21 and Russia in London, at Stamford Bridge, on March 25.

Reuters