With Ancelotti in charge, Brazil faces a Paraguay that arrives in great shape.

Carlo Ancelotti knows nothing will be easy with Brazil . In the run-up to the South American Qualifiers match against Paraguay, the Italian coach was full of praise for the Albirroja and warned that he expects a high-level match. "Paraguay is a very solid team, well-organized, and with great individual players. They're playing very well," he emphasized at a press conference on Monday.

The coach particularly praised the Paraguayan team's recent performance, which came off a 2-0 win over Uruguay, and acknowledged that they will need to be at their best to secure the three points.

The match between Brazil and Paraguay will be played this Tuesday, starting at 9:45 p.m., at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo .

Both national teams have a serious chance of securing qualification for the next World Cup if they win.

"It will be a difficult match, but we are prepared. We've had time to work, and I see the group as fresh and energetic. We have all the tools to do well," the former Real Madrid coach emphasized, without giving any details about the Canarinha's lineup.

Tuesday's match will also have a symbolic significance for Ancelotti: it will be his first home game as manager of the Brazilian national team and will coincide with his 66th birthday. "There's no better gift than winning," he acknowledged with a laugh.

Regarding the game plan, he was clear: "We want an intense match, with attacking football. We need three points after two games without a win."

He also expressed confidence in the future of his tenure at the helm of the five-time champions: "There's a good connection with the players and the coaching staff. I'm sure we'll see results with time," the coach assured.

Finally, he took his adaptation to the language with humor: "I still need translation for some questions, but I'll learn Portuguese quickly. I promise," he said with a smile .

Ecuador - Brazil

EFE/ José Jacome

The Italian coach also congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo , whom he managed during his first spell at Real Madrid, for winning the UEFA Nations League with Portugal: “I'm very happy for him. He's a football legend. His age means his professionalism is at the highest level . He could play for any team and any national team in the world.”

Brazil has more than just three points at stake; they need to get back to winning ways and, at the same time, consolidate their game plan under Ancelotti . On the other side of the spectrum, Paraguay is in top form and ready to battle.