‘A huge advantage’ – Capello praises Milan’s signings and explains why they can rival Napoli

Fabio Capello believes that AC Milan are the team that will battle Napoli for the Scudetto this season, for a few reasons.

Milan started the season with a shock defeat at home to Cremonese, but they have since responded well with three wins and three clean sheets in a row. The next league game is against Napoli on Sunday, and the feeling is that it will be a very useful yardstick to see how far the team have come.

Antonio Conte has already engaged in some mind games by stating that Milan have a squad that is built for the Champions League, while the Partenopei have started their title defence well having won four games out of four.

Why Milan are the ‘anti-Napoli’

Capello gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport that was published this morning, and he spoke about who could challenge Antonio Conte’s side in the title race. His comments are via MilanNews.

What’s going on with Santiago Gimenez?

“I can’t really explain it. It’s incredible. He always scored in Holland, and he was decisive in the Champions League last year. In two and a half years in Rotterdam, he scored over sixty goals. I don’t think he’s forgotten how to score.

“Plus, he collects chances: at least two or three per game. For a striker, that’s important. The problem arises when you don’t have any chances. I’m sure that once he scores his first goal, he won’t stop.”

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Luka Modric has been impressive so far…

“He’s showing everyone what kind of player he is. He’s Milan’s answer to Kevin De Bruyne. Of course, in Italy they play at a much slower pace than in other leagues. That’s why Luka manages to stand out. Here they move at a slower pace, but that doesn’t take anything away from the champion he is.”

Which new signing has surprised you the most?

“It’s too easy to say Modric, so I’ll mention Adrien Rabiot. I never thought I’d see him at this level straight away, as a driving force and leader of Milan. He’s the most important signing of all to be able to fight for the Scudetto.”

Milan are the anti-Napoli because…

“Easy: because they’re not playing in Europe. And that’s a huge advantage, believe me. First of all, you can manage your energy better.

“Modric is 40 years old, it’s clear he wouldn’t have been able to handle three games a week, and then because Manchester City’s example against Arsenal can help. Guardiola said his players were tired. Milan can only focus on the league.”