Parma, and Tanzi, were a learning experience for Ancelotti — it is not difficult to trace the roots of his definition of management to those early days. His job was simply to find a way of winning, not just in the cause of getting the most out of his players, but to meet the insatiable demands of those above him for as long as possible, too.

Carlo Ancelotti said Manchester City vs. Real Madrid "feels like a Clásico now" as the teams prepare to meet in the Champions League for the fourth season in a row, and backed the tie's winner to "go far in the competition.