Italian tactics reshape Brazilian defender at Como, says João Gabriel
Brazilian centre‑back João Gabriel contrasts the technical emphasis of his early years in Brasil with the tactical rigour he now encounters at Como, highlighting how two football cultures shape a player in opposite ways.
Brazilian technical upbringing
Gabriel spent his formative years at Corinthians’ academy from 2020 to 2023, where instruction centred on delivery, “raça” and the ability to build play through the team’s power. The focus was on ball‑at‑feet skills, a hallmark of the nation’s five‑time World Cup triumph in Futebol.
He recalls, “At Corinthians there was a lot of grit, a lot of force, a lot of will. It was more about playing with the ball at your feet, because the team is one of the powers of Brazilian football. Then we often faced a weaker opponent and kept more possession, so you played more.”
Italian tactical immersion
In Italy, a country famed for defenders such as Franco Baresi, Cesare Maldini, Paolo Maldini and Fabio Cannavaro, the training philosophy introduces strategic aspects early, echoing the historic “catenaccio” system that dominated the game between the 1930s and 1960s.
After a season‑long loan at Roma, Gabriel moved permanently to Como in 2024 and has now spent three years immersed in the Italian approach. He explains, “Since I arrived at 16, I already had tactical work. It starts earlier, normally. It’s a much deeper, not superficial, tactical job – especially work on the defensive line, which I never experienced in Brazil.”
He adds, “Italy, from the base, moulds you to become a better defender.” The contrast between the Brazilian emphasis on technical flair and the Italian focus on strategic discipline was striking for the 19‑year‑old.
Coaches and future outlook
During his time in Italy, Gabriel trained under Cesc Fàbregas at Como, Daniele De Rossi at Genoa and observed José Mourinho’s methods. He notes that De Rossi and Fàbregas manage the dressing‑room with a personal touch, whereas Mourinho’s style is more authoritarian, reflecting his extensive experience.
Gabriel admires Fàbregas, saying, “He is revolutionising the way Como plays in Italy, adding an offensive dimension to the Spanish coach’s philosophy.” He observes that clubs increasingly seek numerical superiority both defensively and offensively, a trend he believes will shape the next generation of defenders.
The juxtaposition of Brazil’s technical nurturing and Italy’s tactical discipline reveals how differing youth philosophies can transform a player. For João Gabriel, the Italian system has refined his defensive instincts, making him a more complete centre‑back as he continues his development at Como.