Predecessors of Carlo Ancelotti at Canarinho, the coaches now look to revive their careers with domestic titles with Corinthians and Vasco
December 15
2025
– 11:00 a.m.
(updated at 11:00 a.m.)
Dorival Júnior and Fernando Diniz have already crossed paths at different points in their careers, but both have a recent coincidence within the Brazilian national team. After all, both were Canarinho’s last coaches, before Carlo Ancelotti took over. Now the two are directly fighting for the Copa do Brasil title.
The first chapter of the duel takes place this Wednesday (17/12), at the Neo Química Arena, and has a symbolic value for both. More than a trophy, the challenge is the consolidation of a new professional phase after his time in Seleção. In addition to the possibility of guaranteeing a direct place in the next Libertadores.
The context further broadens the relevance of the confrontation. In 2025, with Filipe Luís championing Brazil with Flamengo, it was decided that all major national titles of the season would be in the hands of Brazilian coaches. Dorival and Diniz therefore not only participate in the Brazilian Cup, but also participate in a moment of recognition for the national coach.
Even though they are far from the hottest and richest teams in the country, Corinthians and Vasco made the decision by beating the foreign coaches in the semi-finals. In this case, Luís Zubeldía and Leonardo Jardim, respectively. In the Brasileirão, however, the campaigns have been irregular. After all, Timão finished 13th, while Vasco was only one place higher, 14th. The Copa do Brasil thus became the shortest path to transform an unstable year into a memorable season.
Diniz tries to recapture his moment of glory at Vasco
Fernando Diniz advances to the final thanks to a recent achievement on his post-selection CV. In February 2024, he won the Recopa Sul-Americana with Fluminense by defeating LDU, ending a cycle of victories even though he then shared attention with the Seleção. He then experienced eventful months, with disappointing campaigns in the Brasileirão in front of Fluminense and Cruzeiro, until taking the helm of Vasco.
At São Januário, the coach faced difficulties and even flirted with relegation, but found a favorable environment in the Brazilian Cup. The classification against Fluminense, on penalties, symbolized the team’s reaction. After the classic, Diniz highlighted the group’s ability to overcome.
“Vasco knew how to improve in difficult times. I think we also imitated the supporters in this sense. The more we are tested, the more we fall in love, the more dedication we show and we declare ourselves more and more in love with Vasco. The team, at the moment when it fell, weakened, we recognized our mistakes, and we united and closed as a team. In this way, we arrived very strong to play these matches against Fluminense. We hope that this week we will be able to put together some more and play two great games.”
Dorival could become the “king” of the Copa do Brasil
On the other hand, Dorival Júnior is experiencing a clear reconstruction process at Corinthians. Left from the national team in March 2025, after the 4-1 defeat against Argentina, the coach returned to the clubs supported by an impressive recent CV. In this case, the Copa do Brasil titles of Flamengo and São Paulo, in 2022 and 2023, in addition to the Libertadores won by the Rubro-negro.
In the semi-final, Timão eliminated Cruzeiro on penalties, repeating a common scenario in the career of cup winner Dorival. Now he sees the final as an opportunity to reaffirm his position among the country’s best coaches and reinforce a speech he already made publicly after leaving the national team.
“Let the coaches be more monitored. We have quality and capacity. I don’t want them to make comparisons, I have the greatest respect for all foreign professionals and I think this integration is important, but I expect greater respect from the Brazilian press in general. I have no conflict with anyone, but there is a process of disrespect towards all professionals in my field, and it is regrettable because we are losing a lot of professionals.”
Between their recent past in the national team and their decisive present in their clubs, Dorival Júnior and Fernando Diniz made the Copa do Brasil final a decisive chapter in their trajectory. Moreover, it means turning things around, after a troubled time in the Brazilian team.
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