Capello claims Inter’s quality is ‘much higher’ than Milan’s but highlights vulnerability

Fabio Capello believes that Inter have shown weaknesses in recent weeks that AC Milan can try to exploit in Sunday’s derby.

Milan go into their ‘home’ derby at the weekend with two missions. The first is to complete a league double over Inter, something that has been a rarity in recent years. The second is to cut the gap in the table to seven points, perhaps pushing the door open again slightly in the title fight.

However, the Nerazzurri go into the game as favourites because of their run since the first league derby. In Serie A, Chivu’s side have won 14 and drawn one of their 15 games since that defeat against the Rossoneri, and they are threatening to run away with it.

‘No room for boredom’

Capello published a column in La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he focused entirely on the Derby della Madonnina clash in three days. He chose to highlight why, despite their favourites tag, Inter could be vulnerable.

“the Como match gave us a clear indication: Inter were already thinking, and very much so, about Sunday’s Milan derby. The Coppa Italia semifinal was undeniably disappointing, played at a very slow pace by both teams, including Como, who seemed more focused on qualifying for the Champions League than chasing the Coppa Italia,” he said.

“I deduce that Inter are convinced that after this derby – if they win – they could already seal the Scudetto: this is why they rested some key players. Moreover, a key player like Dumfries is gradually returning to Inter, so Milan will have to be very careful with their wingers, especially given Dimarco’s impact on the left flank.

“The Nerazzurri are missing Lautaro, it’s true, but Inter have already shown they have no problems in attack thanks to the players who can come in and do their part offensively. The most difficult aspect for Milan is the defensive emergency, with Allegri having to deal with injuries like those of Bartesaghi and Gabbia: he absolutely must hope no one else gets hurt.

“In attack, I imagine the Pulisic-Leao pairing from the start, and I’ve heard the Portuguese player described as very gritty and determined: well, I’d like to see him that determined on the pitch too, showing off his undeniable quality with competitive spirit. However, he often ends up missing for parts of the match, but for him, it’s time for this important step forward.

“Inter, however, have almost everyone back; Lautaro is missing, but there’s little to complain about. Chivu has very wisely planned this match carefully, and we must prepare for a generational clash: the newcomer is Chivu himself, up against Allegri, the experienced coach who has led Milan to an excellent position in Serie A so far.

“The Inter coach has done a great job on a psychological level, humbly getting into the players’ heads, making them understand that they are still strong and can still win. While a draw would be helpful for both coaches, a win for either team would be a huge leap.

“For one it would secure the Scudetto, for the other would keep fifth place at bay, given that Allegri’s stated objective is qualifying for next season’s Champions League. Milan certainly can’t afford to be careless, as Inter’s quality is much higher than their rivals, who lost at home to Parma and only played a half-assed game against Cremonese, conceding numerous opportunities to their opponents.

“Allegri will have to be careful not to give Inter any space, especially when Calhanoglu is on the pitch, as he’s very good at opening up the wing, where Inter are strong. It must also be said, however, that Inter have been conceding a bit in defense lately; they’ve become a bit slow, and so Leao and Pulisic, with their qualities, could cause problems for the league leaders.

“It’s true that a Milan victory would keep the league alive, but for the good of our football, neutral fans should above all hope for a match that’s enjoyable to watch: high-tempo, competitive, well-refereed, allowing the play to flow, without constant interruptions.

“Above all, we’re talking about the first and second-placed teams playing against each other in a match broadcast in many countries abroad: it would be important to show that Italian football is solid and there’s no room for boredom.”