Fabio Capello, the legendary manager who has coached both Milan and Juventus, shared his insights on the upcoming clash between the two Italian giants. Drawing from his vast experience, Capello reminisced to Gazzetta dello Sport about memorable matches from his playing and coaching days, setting the stage for what promises to be a crucial encounter.
On Vlahovic’s role, Capello stated, “Dusan moves very well in the area and in certain aspects reminds me of Trezeguet. He needs to improve in his team play, and Ibrahimovic’s movements are like a manual for great strikers. Vlahovic will be one of the keys to Milan-Juventus.”
Capello warned about Milan’s defensive tactics: “If Milan insists on an exaggerated offside trap, Vlahovic will be decisive in attacking the depth. Much of Milan-Juve will depend on these situations.”
Regarding the stakes of the match, Capello emphasized, “Milan has more to lose. Whoever loses risks missing the last train for the Scudetto. This is especially true for Fonseca. Juventus is still unbeaten, and if they win at San Siro, it would send a strong signal to the entire league.”
On the progress of both teams under their new managers, Capello observed, “Milan and Juventus are still teams in the laboratory. Fonseca’s team seemed to blossom at the Bernabeu, then regressed in Cagliari. They score a lot but concede too much. Thiago Motta has the best defense in Serie A and is gradually finding more goals.”
Capello was critical of Milan’s recent defensive performance: “With me, they would have been more attentive… The feeling is that Milan’s defenders watch the ball too much and the man too little. And in the area, as I always say, the ball doesn’t go in if there’s no opponent to push it.”
When asked about current players he admires, Capello said, “Reijnders and Koopmeiners. Not because they’re Dutch, but because they know how to play football and are complete in both phases.”
Comparing young talents, Capello stated, “Pulisic is more ready, but Yildiz has talent and the future will be his.”
On Juventus’ defensive crisis, Capello advised, “In the January market, you need to get certainties,” hinting at a potential move for Skriniar: “With him, Juve would be going for a sure thing. He played at Inter, knows the pressures of Serie A and top clubs.”
