From "a pig who can't coach" to the current European League dominator, that's Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti was deeply influenced by Arrigo Sacchi at the beginning of his coaching career.
During his playing days, he transferred to AC Milan in 1987 and was transformed into the midfield engine under Sacchi's guidance; after retiring, he served as Sacchi's assistant and competed in the 1994 United States World Cup together.
The 1990s were a star-studded era on the Apennine Peninsula, but conservatism prevailed, and Sacchi did not see superstars. All players had to make sacrifices for the formation.
In the early days of his coaching career, Ancelotti was a faithful adherent of Sacchi's philosophy. In 1996, he led Parma and insisted on playing 4-4-2 with Chiesa and Crespo as the dual strikers, leaving Zola to play only as the left midfielder. In the end, Zola was unhappy with his role and left to join Chelsea in the Premier League.
After joining Chelsea, Zola became a club legend.
