ROME (ITALPRESS) – “I dream of a Brazil–Italy World Cup final”. This is what Carlo Ancelotti, current head coach of the Seleção, said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. Brazil’s team is “good, very good,” Ancelotti specified. “We have top-level veterans and high-quality young players. And we are surrounded by incredible passion. They expect us to win the World Cup, and that is what we’ll try to do. The drought has lasted too long for Brazil — they rightly want their sixth trophy,” the coach added.
“As for Italy, they will once again have to battle through the playoffs and therefore face a complicated qualification path. I hope they manage to qualify. They must qualify. And honestly, I think they will. Then we’ll meet in the final: everyone would be happy — Italians, Brazilians, and especially me. Emotionally, it would be wonderful,” Ancelotti said.
“The favorites are the usual ones: France, Spain, England, Germany, Argentina and Portugal. But be careful — with 48 teams, there will definitely be surprises. Tomorrow we play Senegal, who beat England 3–1: they’re very strong. And so is Morocco, who are doing extremely well. You have to be ready and well-prepared,” the Brazil coach continued.
“The Serie A is exciting and balanced: Roma are on top, which is a surprise. Gasperini and I had Wesley together; and in my staff I also have Juan, a former Roma player, and we talk a lot about the team. I’m happy to see them up there,” Ancelotti added.
He concluded with a remark about Luka Modrić, whom he coached at Real Madrid: “I’m very happy that he’s still performing at an incredibly high level, and it’s not surprising to me at all. I knew he would do well because he has the World Cup as his goal. He plays once a week, and last year at my Madrid he was the only player who didn’t miss a single training session.”
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS)
