Former Milan and Juventus coach Fabio Capello believes Coverciano is the winner of tonight’s UEFA Super Cup match between Real Madrid and Atalanta. Writing in La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello explained how with two Italian coaches set to face off against one another, Italy are already winners:
“There is already a winner, and it’s called Coverciano. No matter what happens tonight in Warsaw, an Italian coach will have triumphed. Credit goes to Ancelotti and Gasperini, so different yet both excellent at maximizing their resources. They are models of “Made in Italy” to emulate in Serie A and beyond. Different ideas, but successful ones. And it’s not just about titles. Carlo and Gian Piero, after their triumphs in the Champions League and Europa League, are competing for the UEFA Super Cup. Real Madrid is accustomed to and lives for these trophy-laden nights. Meanwhile, for Atalanta, which is no longer a surprise, it’s a new and important date with history. On paper—and perhaps not only—is an uneven final. The Blancos are the big favorites. It’s a matter of history, status, and squad quality. Mbappé, the latest addition to Madrid, is the cherry on an already superb cake. Atalanta has accustomed us to surprises. In Warsaw, they will need the spirit of the great European nights, but also a greater feat than that in Dublin against Bayer Leverkusen. Madrid is Madrid. And Carlo is Carlo.
Gasperini’s Inventions
Let’s see what Gasperini will come up with, hampered by many absences. Koopmeiners, promised to Juventus, is the most significant. Atalanta without the Dutchman would be a bit like Real Madrid without Vinicius. And Gian Piero will also have to do without Scalvini and Scamacca. In fact, the Goddess will be without its backbone: not a minor detail on any occasion. And it won’t be, especially against Carlo’s Galacticos. In terms of personnel, Gasperini won’t have many choices. I’m curious to see how Gasp will face Carlo: more than the formation, the attitude and instructions he will give to De Roon and company. Atalanta has a clear identity, but Madrid possesses a mix of technique and speed far above average. Ancelotti’s champions, thanks to extraordinary individual quality, are skilled in one-on-one situations and easily navigate the most intricate scenarios. It’s difficult—and sometimes dangerous—to face them individually and across the field. But if Gasp has reached Warsaw with his Goddess, it’s because he has already surprised top opponents and great coaches in Europe. Atalanta doesn’t come to the UEFA Super Cup at its best, but it remains one of the most annoying and tough teams to face. Perhaps the absences will motivate and stimulate even more those who take the field. The Nerazzurri will have to be near perfect: intensity and rhythm must be accompanied by that bit of luck essential for these impossible missions. Hoping for a distracted Madrid is fantasy football. Real and Carlo are specialists in these trophy-filled evenings.
Lookman, the Hero of Dublin
Gasp is in an emergency and doesn’t have Mbappé, who will play on the other side, but in Warsaw, he can count on Lookman. The hero of Dublin and the Europa League victory is the player from whom I expect the most. Thanks to Gasperini’s care, Ademola is a different forward than the one seen in England. Lookman has creativity, dribbles, and scores: characteristics that are increasingly missing in Italian players. The Nerazzurri forward has made a difference in Serie A and the Europa League with bursts, great plays, and goals. Facing Real Madrid will be a bit like testing oneself at a higher difficulty level, as happens in video games. If Lookman passes the test, the Goddess will have a better chance. But much, if not everything, will depend on Real Madrid. Carlo no longer has a master like Kroos, but he has added Mbappé to the jewelry. Upfront, he possesses an arsenal of rare technique, speed, and quality. Mbappé is debuting, but someone like him can do everything immediately. The Frenchman can decide the match suddenly with one of his electric plays.”
