Scaloni decides Rulli will start and captain against Uruguay

Lionel Scaloni’s coaching staff made a major decision in the team setup for this Friday: Gerónimo Rulli will be the starting goalkeeper and will also wear the captain’s armband against Uruguay. The move leaves Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez out of the Rio de la Plata clásico, although he is expected to feature in Tuesday’s clash against Costa Rica.

The decision for the Rio de la Plata clásico

The call comes on the eve of a match that is always full of tension, with the national team looking to stick to its plan without one of its biggest names. The idea is for Rulli to start in goal and also lead the team on the pitch.

Lionel Scaloni has decided that Dibu Martínez will not play against Uruguay and will instead see action against Costa Rica.

Under that setup, the Manchester City goalkeeper will be the starter and will wear the armband, a clear sign of the role he will have in this match.

A move that also shapes the week

The decision not only affects Friday’s starting XI, but also the coaching staff’s weekly planning. The idea is to spread the workload and arrive with options for both matches, with Martínez being held back for Tuesday’s game.

• Gerónimo Rulli will start against Uruguay.
• He will also be the national team’s captain in that match.
• Emiliano Martínez will not be in the Rio de la Plata clásico.
• The goalkeeper is expected to feature again against Costa Rica.

Beyond the personnel changes, the national team remains focused on a demanding window, with two high-value matches to keep fine-tuning preparations for the next major international challenge.

What’s next for the national team

With Rulli confirmed between the posts and wearing the armband, the coaching staff has already set one of the most important decisions in motion. Now, the team is preparing first for the clash with Uruguay and then to close the window against Costa Rica, in a context where every detail in the lineup continues to send signals for the near future.