 He returned to his homeland, this time to Palmeiras, another team of São Paulo and a rival to his previous Brazilian team.After three years with the club, he emigrated once again, this time to Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol, where once again remained for only one year before returning to play in São Paulo, but this time at Corinthians, being one of the few players who have played in all the three biggest teams of the city and archrivals as well.In January 1998, Zago moved to the Italian capital to join Roma, at the request of the club's manager Zdenek Zeman, who was looking to reinforce the team's defensive line.