Brazil head into the World Cup with a unique mix of history and change, as Carlo Ancelotti prepares for a first tournament in charge. The Selecao remain the only nation to appear at every World Cup since 1930, and this will be their 23rd participation.

Ancelotti arrives with a decorated club record, having lifted the Champions League and domestic league titles in England, Spain, Italy, France and Germany. The Italian is also the first non-Brazilian to manage Brazil at a World Cup, and can join a select group of dual Champions League and World Cup-winning coaches.

Ancelotti could become only the third coach to win both the World Cup and the Champions League or European Cup, matching Marcello Lippi and Vicente del Bosque. Defender Danilo, now 34, knows this campaign will likely be the final chance to secure the trophy, and places strong faith in Ancelotti’s methods and daily approach.

Danilo drew a direct comparison between Ancelotti’s mindset and Cristiano Ronaldo’s drive. “Ancelotti is like Cristiano, Danilo told The Athletic. One of the most famous people in football, yet he lives the days with us like a normal person. He’s humble, and this is one of the most important abilities of champions. He won a lot, but he works as if he has won nothing.”

Brazil hold the record for most World Cup victories, with five titles, and also have the competition’s best win percentage, earning 76 wins from 114 games. Since the 2002 triumph, however, Brazil have completed five straight tournaments without success, matching their longest such spells from 1930 to 1954 and 1974 to 1990.