Davide Ancelotti has spent years working in the shadow of his father, Carlo, quietly learning the intricacies of football management while standing on some of the sport’s grandest stages. As Carlo’s assistant at Real Madrid, Davide has earned a reputation as a thoughtful and analytical coach whose influence has grown steadily in one of the world’s most demanding environments. Yet, even as he helps guide Real Madrid through another successful season, whispers about Davide’s future have begun to swirl, with one destination repeatedly mentioned: .

The link is more than speculation. ‘s deep ties to Roma, where he played for eight seasons and won a Scudetto and four Coppa Italia titles, remain a significant part of his footballing story. While he never returned to the Stadio Olimpico as a manager, Don Carlo spoke openly about his desire for Davide to take the reins at the club, which helped shape his career. It’s a compelling vision, though complicated by Roma’s turbulent present and the questions surrounding Davide’s readiness to step into such a role.

This season has been a challenging one for Roma. The club sits mid-table in Serie A, far from the heights expected of a team with its ambitions. After José Mourinho’s departure last year, Roma turned to Claudio Ranieri as an interim solution, hoping his experience and connection to the club would bring stability. But with Ranieri expected to move into an advisory position, the Friedkin family, Roma’s owners, must now decide on a long-term plan. Massimiliano Allegri, the experienced Juventus manager, has emerged as a leading candidate, though Carlo’s desire to see his son in Rome adds an intriguing subplot.

Davide: Another Ancelotti Legacy in the Making?

For Davide, stepping into his father’s former club is both tantalizing and fraught. He’s developed a reputation as a forward-thinking coach, one who blends meticulous preparation with an ability to make bold in-game adjustments. His suggestion to bring on Joselu in last season’s Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich turned the tide of a match that Real Madrid seemed destined to lose. Moments like these hint at his potential, though they also remind him that he has yet to take on the full weight of a managerial role.

Despite his accomplishments, skepticism persists. Davide has never been a head coach, and the stakes at Roma, a club starved for stability, are high. Critics question whether his rise is built more on his father’s legacy than his own merit. Comparisons to Daniele De Rossi, another young coach whose limited experience led to mixed results, add to the uncertainty. And yet, for all the doubts, there’s something undeniably compelling about the idea of Davide Ancelotti leading Roma. It’s a narrative that blends history, ambition, and risk, all within a club that thrives on the same elements.

For now, Davide remains at Real Madrid, continuing to learn and refine his craft alongside one of the greatest managers in football history. Whether he’s the right fit for Roma or simply a symbol of Carlo’s enduring bond with the Roman club remains to be seen. But in a sport that often looks backward to define its future, the Ancelotti name carries a weight that could yet shape the path ahead for both father and son.

Davide Ancelotti’s Managerial Roles

  1. Paris Saint-Germain (2012–2013)
    • Role: Fitness Coach
    • Worked alongside Carlo Ancelotti, focusing on player fitness and performance analysis.
  2. Real Madrid (2013–2015)
    • Role: Fitness Coach
    • Part of Carlo Ancelotti’s staff during his first stint with the club, contributing to Real Madrid’s historic “La Décima” Champions League title.
  3. Bayern Munich (2016–2017)
    • Role: Assistant Coach
    • Transitioned into a more tactical role, working closely with players during training sessions and match preparation.
  4. Napoli (2018–2019)
    • Role: Assistant Coach
    • Focused on opposition analysis and set-piece strategy. He also enjoyed a brief stint (one match) as acting manager during Carlo’s suspension.
  5. Everton (2019–2021)
    • Role: Assistant Coach
    • Helped manage day-to-day training responsibilities, earning praise from players for his approachable style and attention to detail.
  6. Real Madrid (2021–Present)
    • Role: Assistant Coach
    • Serves as Carlo Ancelotti’s right-hand man, contributing to tactical decisions, individual player development, and in-game adjustments.