Capello analyses Juventus draw and Roma defeat: ‘They’re still in the running’

Fabio Capello believes that all is not lost for either of his former clubs, Juventus and Roma, following their slip-ups in Serie A over the weekend, and insists that both are ‘still dangerous and are still in the running’. 

Juventus were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against Lecce on Saturday evening, while Roma slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Gian Piero Gasperini’s former side, Atalanta, on Sunday. 

These results leave the Bianconeri and Giallorossi level on points (33) in fourth and fifth place respectively. There is now, however, a four-point gap between Juventus in fourth and Napoli in third. Napoli (3rd), Milan (2nd) and Inter (1st) all have a game in hand over Juventus and Roma as well. 

Still, the weekend’s results do not mean that the Serie A title race is over and done with, Capello insists. 

“In my opinion, they’re still dangerous and are still in the running in every competition. Direct clashes will narrow the standings and looking at the games, I’ve seen an excellent Juventus side recently,” Capello said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“They didn’t win and were punished for a mistake, but I thought they played with grit, speed and quality. That is what is expected from the Bianconeri at the moment. Unfortunately for them, the result at home against Lecce wasn’t the most positive, but they’re on the right track, so watch out for Juventus.”

And giving his assessment of Roma, Capello said: “They had a bad first half against Atalanta. I don’t agree with Gasperini, who claims that Atalanta had favourable decisions at the start of the game. For me, a Dea goal was disallowed in a questionable way, and then there was also Zalewski’s chance to make it 2-0, one-on-one with the goalkeeper. 

“In the second half, though, I saw the real Roma again, a team with lots of potential. If the transfer rumours are true and the club manages to find the players they’re after, they would improve a lot, because they already have high-quality players from their goal to the midfield. 

Capello does not deny the fact that both sides, particularly Juventus, need to make some move during the January transfer window. 

“Considering that the Bianconeri also have to compete in the Champions League, they need more weight up front. They lack a physical centre-forward.” 

And when asked whether there is a ‘favourite’ to claim fourth place in Serie A this season, Capello said: “We’re talking about two new coaches. Spalletti has brought Juve back into the race and is giving the team a clear method of playing. Gasperini is trying to bring aggression and determination to Roma, a mentality that is difficult to impose in the capital. 

“Both coaches are halfway there. They aren’t at the end of their missions yet. In my opinion, both would like  a few new players from the transfer window, they both know where they want to dip their hands.”