Former Juventus coach Fabio Capello believes the Bianconeri lost the battle in midfield during their 1-0 defeat to Inter in the Derby D’Italia. A Federico Gatti own-goal was enough to hand the Nerazzurri a vital victory that sees them go 4 points clear at the top of the Serie A table. Analysing the match for La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello explained where he thinks Juve lost the match, suggesting that youngster Kenan Yildiz felt the pressure of the occasion:
Where did Inter win the derby of Italy?
‘In midfield’.
Explain…
“Inter in the middle were dominant. The higher quality of Calhanoglu and the other midfielders made the difference. The Nerazzurri’s department is complete and very strong: they recover balls, make their quality count and are dangerous in the goal area. The Bianconeri also suffered Dimarco on the left. Inzaghi’s team changed gears even with the changes, confirming that they have a wider and technically superior squad”.
Is the success of Simone Inzaghi’s team worth three points or more?
“It is worth much more than three points. Inter have a four-point lead over Juventus and one game less, still to be made up for the Super Cup commitments: now the Nerazzurri will be able to play more serenely”.
What didn’t work in Juventus?
“A guy like Vlahovic has to score in the first half, he was also desperate because of the bad control and the missed opportunity”.
Anything else?
“If Szczesny was the best on the pitch for the Bianconeri something must mean something…. In general, Juventus’ turnaround was too slow and few balls were played vertically.
Yildiz, who was preferred to Chiesa in the starting eleven, was making his debut at the San Siro and in the derby of Italy: did the Turkish jewel feel the pressure?
“Yes, I think he felt it. I think Yildiz is a player who needs to move more forward, but this time there was little space for Juventus”.
Allegri’s team haven’t lost since September 23 at home to Sassuolo: after the draw with Empoli last Saturday and the defeat at the San Siro against Inter, could there be a backlash for Vlahovic and his team-mates?
“I don’t think so. Now I am convinced that Juventus will play more calmly. And to qualify for the Champions League they will have no problems.
If you were Allegri what would you say to the players to restart after the defeat against Inter?
“Guys, we have done our part, we have understood our value and now we will have to improve to play faster and with more vertical balls.”
And if it were Simone Inzaghi?
“I’d say this to the team: ‘Congratulations, guys, excellent game. We played with respect for the opponent, we must continue like this'”.
Will the victory over Juventus also push Inter into the Champions League or are they two separate chapters?
‘I am convinced that Inter will go far in the Champions League too because Inzaghi has a strong team, with a midfield that is among the best in Europe’.
Milan are only four points behind second-placed Juventus: can Pioli threaten Allegri?
‘I don’t think so. But one thing is certain: Milan’s new players have all integrated and the Rossoneri are on the right path.
