Cafu Critiques Italian ‘National Mentality’ and Backs Ancelotti to Lead Brazil to 2026 World Cup Glory

Brazilian icon Cafu discusses Italy's 2026 World Cup failure and backs Carlo Ancelotti to lead Brazil to victory. Read his defense of Vinicius Jr and Roma views.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 8:09 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

Critique of Italian Football’s Psychological Decline

Reflecting on the state of European football, Cafu voiced his sadness regarding the continued struggles of the Italian national team following its high-profile failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The former AC Milan and Roma defender dismissed the notion that the abundance of foreign players in Serie A is the root cause of the "Azzurri" crisis. Instead, he argued that the problem lies in the modern Italian player's inability to handle the immense pressure associated with the national jersey. Cafu emphasized that Italy possesses the technical resources and infrastructure to succeed, but requires a fundamental shift in "national mentality" to reclaim its former prestige on the global stage.

Addressing Management Tensions within AS Roma

Cafu also weighed in on the internal friction currently destabilizing his former club, AS Roma, specifically the publicized disputes between "senior advisor" Claudio Ranieri and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Describing the tension as "unbefitting" of such experienced figures, Cafu urged the leadership to prioritize a calm environment for the players. Despite the off-field crises, he praised Gasperini’s tactical work, maintaining that Roma remains a credible contender for a Champions League spot. However, he predicted a dominant finish for Inter Milan in the current Serie A campaign, while noting that AC Milan is finally on a "cohesive path" toward long-term recovery.

Confidence in Ancelotti’s Vision for the Seleção

Turning his focus to South America, Cafu expressed absolute confidence in Carlo Ancelotti’s ability to guide Brazil to its sixth world title this summer. Despite Ancelotti taking over the role at a crossroads for the federation, Cafu believes the "serial winner" has successfully addressed the team’s historic defensive vulnerabilities. "If Brazil doesn’t concede goals in a World Cup, they are sure to score at least one per game," Cafu noted, highlighting the improved balance between the aging stars and the emerging youth. He further noted that the current squad has moved away from a "Neymar-centric" approach, creating a more sustainable collective dynamic.