1 week ago
51
Fabio Capello believes that AC Milan do not currently have what it takes to push Inter all the way in the Scudetto battle.
The most recent round of Serie A matches concluded last night (even though the Verona-Udinese match clearly wasn’t influential in the running for the top spot) and some obvious conclusions came from it.
Inter’s comeback against Pisa, Juventus’s resounding victory against Napoli and the draw between Roma and Milan at the Stadio Olimpico were the big talking points. Three results that favored Chivu’s Nerazzurri, who are now five points clear at the top and at risk of pulling away.
Capello spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published this morning, offering an in-depth comparison of the two Milanese clubs in their duel for the Scudetto.
Are Inter pulling away?
“Inter started with a stronger squad, while Milan, at least on paper, are aiming to get back into the European competition, even though there are always those who expect something more.
“I believe that at least as of now, the Serie A standings reflect the strengths of the leading teams, especially those who will be competing for the title between now and next May.”
So do you think Inter can maintain this pace until the end?
“Chivu’s team have now taken a very clear direction; I see a remarkable, deep-seated belief among the players. And the new coach has done a good job of getting into his players’ heads, especially after the difficult end of last season.
“He rotates a lot, and he does it well because he has a decent squad, a strong team, and few weak points. Except for the right flank: Dumfries’ absence is weighing heavily and will continue to weigh heavily…
“I think all the criticisms leveled at Sommer in recent weeks are overblown. He’s an experienced goalkeeper. I notice that the Nerazzurri defenders trust him blindly, and he’s very good with his feet, despite the serious error he made in last Friday’s match against Pisa. Perhaps it was due to overconfidence…”
The closest to Inter are Milan, currently at -5. Can they catch Inter?
“Personally, I see a very passive team, unlike the Nerazzurri, who often change pace depending on the moment of the match. Even when they lost against Arsenal in the Champions League, for example, they had plenty of chances on the counter-attack.
“Milan has a major flaw: their attacking play is acceptable, but when they have to defend, the two forwards don’t provide any support to the team when they have to retreat. Leao and Nkunku don’t do that, nor do Pulisic and Fullkrug. You can’t just hope to win the ball back and counterattack.”
Yet the Rossoneri haven’t lost in 21 consecutive games – wouldn’t you even bet a chip on a Pioli-style comeback?
“No, because something is still missing: definitely a defender, and then there’s something else. Milan needs something more, someone who can make a difference, someone who can force a change of pace, even when coming on as a substitute.”
Like Dimarco against Pisa?
“Exactly. It changed the game. And Inter are too confident, too superior to Milan. But there’s something else to add: the Diavolo needed to be revitalised.
“They’re a team under construction that first needs to get back among the four teams that qualified for the Champions League. Even though everyone thinks they can reach much higher heights…”
Will Inter’s longer squad be a factor?
“Certainly: Chivu has the opportunity to rotate more despite having to play in more competitions.”
Another factor, Milan’s absence from any other competitions?
“At this point, I don’t think that’s the case anymore. Roma also plays in cup competitions. I thought they’d suffer particularly from fatigue against the Rossoneri, but that wasn’t the case.
“In fact, they showed the freshness, competitive spirit, and determination I expected to find in Milan. If there’s one team that’s struggled, it’s Allegri’s.”
English (US) ·