Former AC Milan and Juventus coach Fabio Capello believes that Inter can begin a period of dominance following their Scudetto success this season.
The Nerazzurri ended Juventus’ nine-year stranglehold on the Serie A title by claiming their first Scudetto since 2010, under the tutelage of coach Antonio Conte.
In an interview published in today’s newspaper edition of Corriere dello Sport, Capello argued that Inter were in a position to enjoy sustained success provided that financial constraints didn’t break up the team.
“There is no doubt, they can begin a three-year cycle if Conte stays there, and unless they need to sell. Right now nothing is known and the market is unknown,” Capello declared.
“At this point I say that we should pay attention to Atalanta for the next Scudetto. They have no debts, are led by a very good coach (Gian Pieri Gasperini) and a president (Antonio Percassi) who knows football. At this point they also have money to invest. you saw how they accommodated Papu Gomez, who also was important for them.
“Gasperini’s Atalanta is like a car, automatic and ready. They have a system and an attitude. The performance will be there. However, the disappointments (defeat in the Coppa Italia Final) are felt, they consume energy, this is true.”
Capello led Roma to their most recent Scudetto, in 2001, and admitted he had been underwhelmed by the Giallorossi and city rivals Lazio, but was looking forward to the return of ex-Inter coach Jose Mourinho, who will take the helm at the Lupi.
“The two Romans have disappointed me the most. Lazio have a very good team, but they have had a terribly fluctuating performance. More or less the same goes for Roma.
“They are two teams that if they play to their standard then they really play well. They have high-level players. Roma also found themselves without Nicolo Zaniolo, who would have made the difference. Paulo Fonseca managed to keep them going, he put in work that is beautiful to see.
“I have always been a Mourinhista. He has clear ideas, he creates team spirit, he manages to get everything and more out of the players. Also, he always has the result in mind.”
Going into the last round of the season today, the race for Champions League qualification sees Napoli, Milan, and Juventus battling it out for the final two spots and Capello felt all three teams would win their respective matches.
“Juventus are strong right now. They have found morale, they have found their game. I see them doing very well.
“Milan struggled when they had to win. But they are playing away and do better there, facing a team like Atalanta who always want to play on the front foot. In these situations [Stefano] Pioli’s team transforms. I have faith in Juve and I also trust Milan, I hope this comment is appreciated.
“Napoli play at home and should win. It’s true that Verona are organised, they have a precise system of play. They don’t defend very well and they will face attacking players who are very fit. I think Napoli will make it,” Capello concluded.
