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Fabio Capello believes that AC Milan have established themselves as Scudetto contenders after just five league games.
There was a lot of anticipation about Milan’s game against Napoli at the weekend, to see if Massimiliano Allegri’s side were really able to show all the positive signs they have done so far against arguably the toughest opponent in Italy.
The answer was resoundingly positive. Alexis Saelemaekers netted in the third minute, then Christian Pulisic turned from provider to scorer with a goal in the 31st minute. Pervis Estupiñán’s red card and Kevin De Bruyne’s penalty made it a nervy finish, but the Rossoneri hung on for a win that puts them top.
Capello: Milan are title candidates
Capello did an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he offered a reflection on Sunday night’s showpiece game at San Siro, and he was full of praise for Milan.
Fabio, you were at the stadium on Sunday…
“I wanted to watch Milan-Napoli live to study the two teams closely. You just don’t see certain nuances on TV. This Milan is among the contenders to win the Scudetto.”
What struck you in particular?
“Milan is already a team. They have the spirit and determination of the greats, something we haven’t often seen in the past season. And importantly: it all comes from their strongest and most charismatic players, like Modric and Rabiot.
“They set an example for their teammates and inspire the fans. Speaking of which, with the Curva’s return to chanting, San Siro played a huge role in the final resistance.”
And on a tactical level?
“The ability to counter-attack with exceptional speed and quality in the first half, thanks in part to an impressive Pulisic. The American has a great quality: whether he’s running with the ball or passing, he always does it vertically. Plus, he sees the goal like few others.
“Napoli, however, tried to control the game, but the Azzurri’s play was too slow, and Milan always closed down well, taking advantage of the space to cause damage on the counter-attack. Of course, the absences in Conte’s team also played a role.”
Did Napoli disappoint you?
“No, because I still have the feeling that they’re a more complete team than Milan, despite the defeat. In defence, they didn’t have Buongiorno, Rrahamani, Spinazzola… And in attack, Hojlund is no Lukaku – he can’t guarantee the kind of defensive play that was crucial in last year’s Scudetto.
“With everyone back, Conte will be able to count on a top-notch squad. However, there’s one unknown factor whose name and surname are: Kevin De Bruyne.”
Did the Belgian lose the duel of the ‘grand old men’ with Modric?
“Absolutely. Modric dominates in Serie A, while De Bruyne hasn’t dominated at San Siro, quite the opposite… I think he’s struggling to find his position, wandering around the pitch without seeming comfortable.
“Then, of course, a couple of times he makes passes that others wouldn’t even imagine. But his impact is very spontaneous.”
Modric, on the other hand, is still doing very well for a 40-year-old.
“Incredible. We all took it for granted that he had quality, vision, and personality: these are gifts you don’t lose with age. But who would have imagined he was still so extraordinary physically?
“And then, after winning everything in Madrid, Luka is still there, launching himself into tackles and making the extra run to defend the lead. He’s a champion, and it seems to me that he feels and thrives on the weight of responsibility of being a leader at Milan too.”
Allegri is top and he practically hasn’t been able to use Leao yet…
“True, but perhaps that’s also why he immediately found balance, with Gimenez sacrificing himself a lot when not in possession.”
Could it be that with Rafa back to 100 percent, Milan risk losing this balance?
“From what I know, Allegri believes a lot in Leao, so I can only trust Max. The Portuguese will certainly have to give more than he has in the past: Milan today has several leaders, and even the competition in attack, with the arrival of Nkunku, cannot allow Rafa to dawdle as he has occasionally done.”
What is their weak point?
“On the left side, with Estupinan, there’s still some defensive concern. The Ecuadorian is much better at attacking.”
Another big match for the Rossoneri right away, against Juve on Sunday…
“The Bianconeri are further behind than Milan; they still don’t have a defined game, and they’re relying on the flashes of Yildiz and Conceiçao. Plus, they’ll be coming off a tricky Champions League away game against Villarreal.
“But beyond the moment, Juve lack quality and thought in midfield. Even Tudor could use a good Modric.”
Along with Milan and Napoli, Roma are also at the top: can they last?
“Gasperini has already changed the team’s mentality. He may, however, pay for two things: playing in Europe, with a smaller squad, and the lower quality of the players compared to Napoli, Inter, Milan, and the like.”
Are Inter still a contender for the Scudetto?
“Of course. In Cagliari, I think they’ve regained control of the pitch, without the sudden drops seen this early in the season, apart from Folorunsho’s corner hitting the post.”
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