Fabio Capello has offered a damning verdict on the early stage of Inter Milan’s title-defending Serie A campaign.

During his interview with TMW, as reported by FCInter1908, Capello identified one crucial issue.

Fresh off lifting their 20th Scudetto in 2023/24, Inter headed into the new season as overwhelming title favorites.

However, they’ve fallen short of expectations in the early goings.

Indeed, they dropped points in three of their opening five league matches this term.

A 2-1 Derby della Madonnina defeat to fierce rivals AC Milan was a wake-up call for the Nerazzurri.

Simone Inzaghi has since steadied the ship.

Except for a memorable 4-4 draw against Juventus, Inter have won five of their last six Serie A games.

In doing so, they have whittled down the gap on table-topping Napoli to only point point.

But it’s fair to admit they’ve been far from last season’s level.

Former AC Milan & Juventus Boss Fabio Capello Identifies Key Issue at Inter Milan

Opponents have breached Inter’s backline 13 times in the opening nine Serie A rounds.

That’s a far cry from the division’s sturdiest defense in 2023/24.

Inter enjoyed a dominant run to the Scudetto last term, largely thanks to their impregnable defense.

Indeed, they only conceded 22 league goals last year.

Capello sees this decline as the principal source of problems for Inzaghi’s team.

“Inter have problems,” he admitted. “Last year, they didn’t concede anything.

“This year, they do, while up front, they’re as good as always.”

However, Inter’s backline has recently straightened up.

Yann Sommer has recorded four clean sheets in his last five appearances across all competitions.

Furthermore, the defending Serie A champions have been formidable in the UEFA Champions League.

Heading into Wednesday’s home clash against Arsenal, they’re one of only five teams yet to concede at Europe’s top table this season.