Capello: Milan have ‘clear issue’, but Allegri ‘really entertained me’

Fabio Capello insists Milan still lack a reliable centre-forward, but was delighted by the Rossoneri’s performance in the derby: ‘Massimiliano Allegri really entertained me.’

Capello gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport in the aftermath of Milan’s 1-0 win over Inter on Sunday.

The Nerazzurri dominated possession and had more shots on target, but a counter-attack finished off by Christian Pulisic was enough for Milan to claim all three points.

“Allegri really entertained me. I liked seeing and appreciating how he managed everything,” Capello said.

“He led the team from the first second to the last. Tactically, he prepared the match in every detail. Historically, Milan have always struggled physically in derbies, especially in aerial duels. This time, they found the right solutions. Apart from Acerbi hitting the post, the Rossoneri kept their guard up.”

Milan already beat Inter, Roma and Napoli this season, so can they aim for the Scudetto?

“There’s still a clear issue up front: they lack a centre-forward. But that said, you can clearly see desire, spirit and intention to be protagonists within the team,” Capello argued.

“All of this is helped by a league table where no one is really standing out. Of course, there’s the clear advantage of not having European competitions, which will allow Allegri to work with players who aren’t tired mentally or drained.”

Bookmakers still do not see the Rossoneri as clear Scudetto favourites, but odds on Lonestar Casino confirm the Diavoli are expected to be in the mix until the end of the season.

Capello is impressed by the work Allegri has done on the pitch after a poor season under Paulo Fonseca and Sergio Conceiçao in 2024-25.

“I see order on the pitch. Before, it was a team I would describe as scattered, and I’m not just talking about last season, but also some matches this term,” said the ex-Rossoneri boss.

“That mostly happened when possession was lost. Now, however, I see everyone organised and alert. They support each other from the first minute to the last.

“Finally, Allegri has managed to get into the players’ heads. The team has earned results against four top sides; it would be reductive to talk only about the derby.”

Milan may have beaten some of the top sides in Serie A this term, but have also dropped points against relegation candidates Cremonese, Pisa and Parma, so Capello warned Milan about their biggest enemy: “Lack of concentration. The most important matches mentally prepare themselves, while the ones that frustrate you the most are against lower-level teams.”

Milan’s next game is at home against Lazio on Saturday, November 29.