Fabio Capello spoke with Gazzetta dello Sport about the Serie A title race, explaining why Inter are still the favourites. With six teams within two points after 12 rounds, Capello stated: “Uncertainty reigns so far, and it’s beautiful. No one has had the strength to pull away from the others at the top. But there’s a technical aspect that emerges from this melee: teams like Lazio and Fiorentina have taken inspiration from Atalanta, and by playing much more vertically, they’re performing like top teams.”
Regarding Inter, the reigning champions, Capello believes they’re still the top contender despite a slower start: “They’re a bit slowed down compared to last year, at least from what we’ve seen so far. However, I believe they’re still the number one candidate. If Inzaghi is in direct contact with the top of the table in March, he’ll then have all the credentials to make the decisive sprint.”
On current leaders Napoli, Capello notes the advantage of not playing in European competitions: “Conte is the only one without midweek cup games. It was evident on Sunday evening; the Napoli players were fresher than their opponents, who had the fatigue of the Champions League match against Arsenal in their legs.”
Capello sees Juventus improving under Thiago Motta but identifies a potential issue: “Vlahovic, by his characteristics, is not the ideal number nine for his coach and struggles mightily away from the penalty area. This could be a problem in the long run, at least for aspiring to fight for the Scudetto.”
Regarding Atalanta’s high position, Capello considers them “a reality of excellence not only in Italy but also abroad.” He believes winning the Europa League has given great awareness to Gasperini’s group.
On Lazio and Fiorentina, Capello states: “For me, Lazio is the team that plays the best football in Italy.” He praises their pressing, verticality, and attacking danger. For Fiorentina, he notes Palladino’s ability to change pace after a complicated start.
Finally, on Milan’s struggles, Capello poses a question: “If it were always the wonderful team seen in Madrid, the answer would undoubtedly be yes. In the Cagliari version, however, it would be complicated for Fonseca to catch up. But which is the real Milan?”
