Fabio Capello believes a top four spot is not locked up for AC Milan, who could pay for the energy they spent chasing Inter.
Milan’s unbeaten run came to an end at San Siro on Sunday night as they were beaten 1-0 by Parma, which likely ends any faint title hopes too. It means that the unbeaten streak was ended on 24 games, and with Inter now 10 points clear at the top, attention turns to a battle for the top four.
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From second-placed Milan to seventh-placed Atalanta, there are several clubs all vying for a spot in next season’s Champions League. How many points will they need? Massimiliano Allegri, some time ago, set 74 as the minimum points necessary to be fairly certain of reaching the target.
Fabio Capello gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he gave his thoughts on the Rossoneri’s recent difficulties and whether he is confident they will still get a Champions League place.
Is Allegri’s target right?
“I think in the end, fewer will be enough. Also because, with so many head-to-head matches, everyone will inevitably lose something.”
Milan are now 10 points off Inter…
“The defeat against Parma told us that the Scudetto dream was a pipe dream, now Milan must be wary of those behind. But it’s still long, there are 12 games ahead and many direct clashes that can make the difference.”
As mentioned, the Diavolo still have a good lead and are not playing in Europe…
“True, but they often get distracted against smaller teams. I think Milan have already spent a lot of time mentally trying to stay close to Inter, and now they’re in danger of suffering a mental backlash.
“Furthermore, they have two obvious flaws: they lack a top-notch defender and a starting centre-forward, given that Allegri only uses Füllkrug during the match.”
The No.9 would be Leao, right?
“For me, he’s simply not a centre-forward. Let’s leave aside the number of goals, but the Portuguese is unable to be a point of reference for his teammates, we can now say that with full knowledge of the facts.”
Milan still have to play against Inter, Napoli, Juventus, and Atalanta: a tough schedule?
“I don’t think it’s a scheduling issue. Milan’s season so far has shown us a team that struggles more against smaller teams than against bigger ones. An unpredictable, almost crazy trend.”
