Growing up in a footballing household doesn't quite capture Davide Ancelotti's upbringing. At just six years old, he was already on the training ground with his father, Carlo Ancelotti, then manager of Parma. The first player he ever met? A young Gianluigi Buffon, who was just beginning his journey to becoming one of the greatest goalkeepers in history. Davide would take shots against him, while watching defenders like Lilian Thuram and Fabio Cannavaro refine the skills that would later make them World Cup champions.

This early immersion into elite football wasn't just a childhood memory—it laid the foundation for a coaching career that would see Davide serve as assistant manager alongside his father, a five-time Champions League-winning boss, at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Real Madrid. Now, as Brazil's assistant manager heading into this summer's World Cup, Davide is carving out his own identity in the game.

Sitting down with a tactics board between us, the 36-year-old opened up about his philosophy, the influences that shaped him, and what makes modern football tick. "In football, it's hard to say one manager inspires you," he shared. "You take pieces from many."

For Davide, that list reads like a who's who of tactical innovation. "Pep Guardiola was cutting edge, a pioneer," he noted. "You can't forget Jurgen Klopp in high pressing and triggers. If we talk about superiority, you have to mention Roberto De Zerbi and how he finds the third man—the small details he discovered. I'm fascinated by Diego Simeone's defensive phase, Unai Emery's work, and of course, my father."

His father's approach, Davide explained, came from the school of Arrigo Sacchi—zonal defense and the classic 4-4-2. But his own coaching identity is a blend of all these influences, constantly evolving. "For some people, I am one thing; for others, something else," he said. "This process of creating my own identity is always ongoing."

As Brazil prepares for the World Cup with a blend of tradition and fresh thinking, Davide Ancelotti represents a new generation of coaching talent—one forged in the shadow of greatness but determined to step into the light on his own terms.