Oscar winning director Paul Sorrentino to helm documentary on football coach Carlo Ancelotti
Washington DC, May 16
Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino is developing a documentary on legendary Italian soccer coach Carlo Ancelotti. It will capture behind-the-scenes of his five-decade career and culminate in the 2026 World Cup this summer as he coaches Brazil's national team, reported Deadline.
According to Deadline, the Carlo Ancelotti documentary taps into Sorrentino's passion for football, previously seen in his Oscar-nominated semi-autobiographical film 'The Hand of God' (2021), in which he explored his Neapolitan youth and a family tragedy through the lens of football and the arrival of Diego Maradona in the local team.
Born into a farming family in Reggio Emilio, Ancelotti began his career as a midfielder for local club Parma, then played for Roma and AC Milan. He moved into coaching in the early 1990s and has since coached 11 clubs, including Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid; won 26 trophies and five Champions Leagues, reported Deadline.
The documentary will intertwine archive images of his life with recent images shot in Italy, Spain and Brazil, as well as in the U.S. during the upcoming World Cup.
"It's an honour to tell my story alongside the great Paolo Sorrentino. I've always admired his masterpieces and his commitment to artful storytelling," said Ancelotti of the project.
The film is produced by Francesco Melzi d'Eril, producer of Luca Guadagnino's Suspiria, Bones and All and Call Me by Your Name, for MDE Films.
The other producers include Chloe McClay, Celia Babini and Buck Andrews at Tart Productions and Gabriele Moratti for MeMo Films.
The production is in association with Fremantle and The Apartment, reported Deadline.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Ancelotti is one of the most underrated managers in terms of personality. His calm presence in the dugout contrasts with the madness of modern football. Sorrentino capturing him during the Brazil World Cup campaign will be fascinating - especially with the pressure of managing a national team for the first time.
From a farming family to coaching Brazil in the World Cup - that's a real desi-style underdog story! 😍 Sorrentino already proved he can beautifully blend football with personal drama in 'The Hand of God.' Can't wait to see how he captures Ancelotti's Italian charm and tactical brilliance.
I love that Sorrentino is bringing his cinematic vision to the beautiful game. Ancelotti's journey from player to one of the most decorated managers is incredible. Just hope the documentary doesn't feel too glossy - I'd like to see the real struggles behind those trophies.
As someone who grew up watching 'The Hand of God,' this collaboration excites me no end! Sorrentino has a knack for making football feel like poetry. Ancelotti is probably the only manager who could make players like Zlatan and Ronaldo respect him so much. 📽️⚽
Interesting project, but I feel like sports documentaries often romanticize their subjects a bit too much. Ancelotti has had his share of failures - the Napoli revolt, early Bayern exit. Hope Sorrentino shows both the highs and lows. Still, the production team behind this is top-notch.
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