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Fabio Capello believes that AC Milan are lacking a decisive player like Lautaro Martinez, but if they beat Roma they must aim for the title.
Milan began the 2025-26 season under Massimiliano Allegri with the main objective being Champions League qualification, after the eighth-placed finish in the last campaign. So far things are looking good, with a seven-point gap to fifth place.
However, fans are beginning to dream a bit bigger given that the Rossoneri are three points off top spot. Not only that, but they have gone 20 games unbeaten, something that hasn’t been done for decades, fuelling the idea that the Scudetto is a possibility.
Capello on title hopes, strikers and more
Fabio Capello spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published this morning, previewing the weekend’s action and also looking ahead in the title race.
Allegri keeps stressing that top four is the target…
“But it’s normal for Max to play hide and seek: he’s too experienced not to understand the risks of saying the word scudetto in public. When you climb so high, if you stop flying and fall, you can hurt yourself even more. So he crouches down and talks about tables, does the math.”
Meanwhile, Allegri extended his streak of consecutive unbeaten games in Serie A to 20 with the victory over Lecce…
“A great result, the fruit of the coach’s psychological work with the group. Milan have a strong spirit today, which is why they’re able to recover even in games where they’re not playing very well or are trailing.
“I think Max has worked hard on this aspect, and the only defeat against Cremonese in their first game in 21 games is proof of that.”
Against Lecce, Milan also dominated, at least in the second half: 13 shots to 2, with 71% possession. Were the criticisms of their play after the Como win effective?
“No, of course Allegri cares about what they say outside. He also knows that the team can and must improve in terms of play. In the first half, for example, I didn’t see a great Milan side.
“The ball circulation was slow, the midfielders struggled to follow the play, and in the penalty area there was often only one Rossoneri player against three Lecce defenders. So scoring goals becomes difficult.”
Also because Pulisic and Leao aren’t pure strikers?
“Exactly. They’re attackers who like to roam, drop back, or move wide to receive the ball and create opportunities. Pulisic can move a little better in the box, while Leao is just learning now. Neither of them are Lautaro, though, and it shows…”
Leao doesn’t look at his best…
“It was obvious. He couldn’t change pace. When he had the chance to go deep, as he likes, he went at the same speed as his opponents. Unusual for Leao.”
And then Max pulled Füllkrug out of the hat…
“A true number nine, who knows how to take advantage of even the slightest lapse in concentration from the defence, as he did for the goal. The real kick, however, came from Rabiot once again, who stepped up his game in the second half.”
Could we see a Milan with a three-man attack sooner or later?
“It always depends on the players’ form and availability. But nowadays, with five substitutions, you can change the team’s tactical setup, especially during the game. And if you have a smart coach like Max on the bench, it’s even easier for that to happen.”
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At one point – with the score still 0-0 – we saw Milan with three central defenders, even though Lecce didn’t have a striker on the pitch. Isn’t that too much?
“Allegri explained that he needed the two wing-backs for preventive marking and to increase pressure. So I say, it’s about time! Because too often, Milan tends to fall back and draw opponents into the penalty area, especially against smaller teams. Instead, every now and then you have to press, defending forward and not backwards.”
Against Lecce, there was progress from some of the second string. Has Jashari, for example, convinced you?
“Yes, he did better than in his last few outings. But let me tell you, when Modric came on, the difference was clear. Want to talk about the long pass that sent Nkunku through on goal? It was phenomenal.”
Modric will certainly return from the start in Sunday’s big match against Roma…
“The away games at the Olimpico and then in Bologna will really show us how far Milan can go, especially since they arrive while Inter are facing Pisa and Cremonese. There’s a risk of losing ground. That’s why I think they’re crucial: Milan must stay there, one game away.
“Against Gasperini, it will be a good Champions League match; Roma, with Malen, has added a threat to their attack. However, if the Rossoneri were to win in the capital too, then it would be difficult to hide from the Scudetto race.”
Roma and Bologna will face the Rossoneri after their European commitments, where Inter, Napoli, and Juventus are also involved…
“Being able to focus on the league is undoubtedly an advantage for Allegri. But Inter will have to slow down with a few small mistakes, otherwise a comeback will be difficult. Chivu has already saved up a lot of wheat to make bread.”
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