Former coach Fabio Capello has delivered a scathing analysis of Inter Milan’s performance following their surprising 3-0 defeat to Fiorentina. The loss has significant implications for the Serie A title race, leaving Napoli three points clear at the top.
Capello observed: “Fiorentina wins, Inter loses, and Napoli smiles. The surprising stumble of the Nerazzurri in Florence confirms Antonio Conte’s solitary lead in the Serie A standings with a three-point advantage. A minimal gap, but still important, because it now puts the future of the Scudetto in the hands of Napoli, a team that has no other commitments and objectives beyond the race for the tricolor.”
The ex-coach was particularly critical of Inter’s display at the Franchi stadium: “The Inter seen at the Franchi did not please me, beyond the clear defeat. In over 70 minutes, they failed to understand how to attack Fiorentina’s defense, so much so that they had very few clean chances. A bit like what happened in the first 70 minutes against Milan in the derby. At this moment, Inzaghi’s team is not brilliant, unable to play on the wings as it did until recently, and is slow and predictable in developing the play. It lacks rhythm above all.”
Capello highlighted the struggles of key player Hakan Calhanoglu: “With the Viola sitting deep, while still aggressively pressing the ball possessor, I would have expected more ball movement, more switches of play to move the opponents. Instead, Calhanoglu – the man who would have the football qualities to give speed to the changes of play – struggled enormously.”
The defensive frailties of Inter were also noted: “To the problems in developing the play, the Nerazzurri added a strangely deficient defensive phase. Fiorentina countered with speed and determination, creating constant headaches for Inzaghi’s backline, which struggled to engage opponents in one-on-one situations.”
In contrast, Capello praised Fiorentina’s performance, particularly singling out Moise Kean: “Fiorentina played a great game, defensively organized and effective whenever there was an opportunity to attack. The absolute protagonist was Moise Kean, and I don’t say this just for the beautiful brace: he played as a total center-forward, good at protecting the ball, in giving intensity to the team, thanks to the running and muscles of a true number nine.”
Capello concluded by assessing the broader implications for the Serie A landscape: “Now Fiorentina is a very serious candidate for a place in the next Champions League, and if I were in the place of a Serie A coach, I would hope not to meet them given how well they are doing at the moment. If the Viola maintain their form, it will be very complicated for Juve and even more so for Milan to chase a place in the next Champions League.”
