Former AC Milan coach Fabio Capello spoke to Italian media outlet Sportweek about the proposed changes to the Champions League format and Inter’s chances in Europe this season.

“I like the Champions League. The European Super League is an elite event, while I remain favourable to the logic of giving everyone a chance: I think of the Ranieri’s Leicester City three years ago. The European Super League would be the NBA of football: in the United States it could work, in Europe it wouldn’t.

“I remember that UEFA has 55 affiliated federations. The current formula seems perfect to me. The group stage is the best system, then it is right that from the round of 16 onwards there is the two-legged games.”

Capello then commented on Inter’s Champions League group.

“Inter are the Italian team who had the worst draw, but the calendar can help them: the first home game being against Slavia Prague is an advantage. The challenges against Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund will come at a moment where the team will be more established and the inclusion of Lukaku and Sanchez will be more natural.

“The transfer market was very good, Marotta worked very well, but Conte should be given time to set up his football. That seems to me to be the underlying problem. I’m optimistic about the rest. Lukaku is a modern forward: he scores, he helps the team, he defends.

“And then there’s Conte, a coach who makes the difference. I’ve always maintained that the personality of a coach has a profound effect: Conte belongs in this category.”