Davide Ancelotti is taking on a new challenge as assistant coach of the Brazilian national team alongside his father, Carlo Ancelotti. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he discussed topics ranging from Neymar’s World Cup prospects to the future of Milan, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, and some behind-the-scenes stories from Real Madrid. The Italian coach displayed a blend of ambition, naturalness, and deep insight into elite football.
“He is among the 55 pre-selected players because his physical condition is improving. Now we have to reduce the list to 26 players,” Davide reflected on Neymar, acknowledging that the forward can still be important if he fully recovers his form. He also explained that heat and set pieces will be decisive factors in the tournament, where defensive discipline will make the difference.
Davide also spoke about the immense pressure surrounding the Brazilian national team. “In Europe, we think that outside Italy there is no such obsession with competing, but in Brazil, everyone wants to win. When you see the Canarinha shirt, you feel a huge responsibility.” After his experience at Botafogo, he said he feels ready to take the leap as a head coach and admitted he already has offers to lead a club after the World Cup.
**Real Madrid**
The interview also revealed little-known details about the competitive mentality at Real Madrid. Davide recalled that some players would play badminton matches at four in the morning after a knockout tie because no one wanted to lose. He also said they had to remove the football-tennis court from Valdebebas because “the bets and arguments were too intense.” “Champions live constantly competing,” he summed up.
About Cristiano Ronaldo, the Italian was emphatic: “He has a unique work ethic.” As an example, he mentioned that after winning the 2014 Ballon d’Or and allowing himself a glass of champagne to celebrate, the Portuguese asked for an extra training session to “burn it off.” Davide also remembered the impression Kylian Mbappé made when they faced PSG in 2022. “My father and I looked at each other and said, ‘What kind of player is this?'”
Finally, Davide explained why he believes penalties are not a lottery but a specialty that must be trained. He recalled the shootouts won by Real Madrid and said players like Rüdiger and Nacho scored decisive penalties thanks to their personality. He also revealed that the best taker should always go first. About Carlo Ancelotti, he dismantled another common stereotype: “He is not just a manager of stars. He has evolved a lot over the years,” he concluded.