Ancelotti's Italian Dilemma: Wishing Azzurri Luck While Plotting Modric Takedown

Picture Carlo Ancelotti, the silver-haired wizard of football management, now perched on the Brazil bench, still carrying a soft spot for his homeland. The man who's won everything from La Liga to the Champions League has lobbed some good vibes Italy's way ahead of their crucial World Cup play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina. But don't get too misty-eyed – he's got his own fireworks to light.

Speaking ahead of Brazil's friendly showdown with Croatia, Don Carlo admitted he'd love to see the Azzurri punch their ticket to the 2026 World Cup. "I hope Italy qualify," he said, but with a cheeky caveat: he won't be glued to the telly. Why? Because the Seleção's got a midnight kick-off in Florida against the Croats at 1:00 BST – proper early hours stuff that'd test even the most die-hard insomniac.

As reported by Peter Young at Football Italia, Ancelotti's first squad announcement for Brazil's 2026 qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay has the football world buzzing. But Tuesday night's play-off at 19:45 BST? That's Italy's drama, not his. Brazil, already locked in for the big dance, can afford a bit of R&R – or in this case, a glamour friendly.

Modric: The Timeless Maestro Ancelotti Can't Get Enough Of

Now, here's where it gets juicy. Facing Ancelotti's Brazil? None other than Luka Modrić, the Croatian legend who's somehow still pulling strings at AC Milan aged 40. The bloke's having a Serie A season that's got fans rubbing their eyes – goals, assists, and that trademark vision that makes defenders look like they're wading through treacle.

Ancelotti, who coached Modrić to glory at Real Madrid, couldn't hold back the praise. "He's a complete, modern midfielder who can slot anywhere," gushed the Italian. Calling him one of the best he's ever managed, a pro with passion oozing from every pore, Carlo dropped the mic: "There's nobody like him on the world market."

Imagine the pub banter if these two old mates lock horns. Modrić, now a Rossoneri veteran celebrating wins at the San Siro like it's 2018 all over again, versus his former boss plotting from the touchline. It's like a chess grandmaster facing his apprentice – except the apprentice became the master.

Fixtures Clash and What's Next for the Seleção

So while Italy sweat it out in Bosnia – a win there seals their World Cup spot after topping their group – Ancelotti's focus is laser-sharp on Croatia. It's a tasty appetizer before the qualifiers proper, with Brazil eyeing a record sixth star on their shirt.

Ancelotti's honeymoon with Brazil kicked off with that Rio presser back in May 2025, photos of him grinning ear-to-ear amid the samba beats. First squad named, enemies identified – Ecuador and Paraguay up next in qualifiers. But this friendly? It's personal, with Modrić waiting to remind everyone why he's still got it.

For Italy fans, it's bittersweet. Their ex-pat hero rooting for them from afar, but duty calls. Will the Azzurri navigate the play-off minefield? And can Modrić dance past Brazil's midfield wall? Grab your popcorn (or pints), because football's throwing curveballs again.

In a world where managers hop continents like it's no big deal, Ancelotti's story is peak football romance. From Milan to Madrid, now Rio – and still dishing wisdom like he's chatting over an espresso. Here's hoping Italy joins Brazil at the 2026 party in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. After all, who doesn't love a good World Cup reunion?