Capello warns: ‘Milan have to be careful with their Champions League spot now’

Fabio Capello has warned his former side Milan that their spot in next season’s Champions League is far from guaranteed, and hopes to see an improved performance against Hellas Verona following their disappointing Supercoppa Italiana campaign last week. 

The Rossoneri are back in Serie A action on Sunday, taking on Verona in San Siro, kicking off at 11.30 GMT. Massimiliano Allegri’s side are second in the Serie A table and are just two points behind leaders Inter ahead of kick-off. 

However, Milan are now looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing Supercoppa Italiana campaign, which saw them defeated 2-0 by Napoli in the semi-final. 

Capello, speaking in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, says that the defeat against Napoli ought to have taught Milan a lesson. He also feels that unnecessary team rotations, coupled with Allegri’s lack of options in attack was part of the reason why Milan struggled in the Super Cup.

“The Milan team from the last game needs to be reset, and if they concede as many goals as they have done, they can’t expect to be beating teams, even the ones within their reach,” Capello explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“They were missing a centre-forward: Too often, there was no danger going forwards,” he continued. 

“Modric’s drop-off during Rabiot’s absence should be highlighted as well. They’re conceding too many goals because there is a lack of protection in the middle of the pitch, and the defenders get lost a bit.” 

Capello also accused Allegri of failing to field his strongest team against Napoli in the Supercoppa semi-final. 

“The players seem unconvinced, as if they wanted to get this tournament out of the way to work on the league. I didn’t like it. Milan are second, they aren’t in any other cups and can plan their own schedule. 

“Even Allegri didn’t convince me. He didn’t field his best team. It’s true that a coach wants to make everyone feel involved, but still …” 

And, ahead of their return to Serie A action this weekend, Capello warned: “Now, Milan have to be careful about their Champions League spot. It will be a good fight. Juve, over their last few games, have been fast, aggressive. I’ve seen changes on the pitch, balls being played vertically, and they have playmakers who can make the difference. 

“Roma are missing a centre-forward, but if they get Zirkzee, that could solve it. He has conviction, strength, desire, and when he played against Juve, he showed that he was on the same level.”

And when asked if any of the other teams in Serie A could push for a spot in the top four this season, Capello said: “Bologna and Atalanta have cup commitments, which always factor in. I can see Lazio doing well, they don’t have any cups and are growing. They’ve got an experienced coach, for me, they will fight until the end.” 

And when asked about Como’s chances, Capello said: “They’re still a bit too young for me. They dominated against Juventus in mid-October, but they played like an immature team over their last two games. I don’t see the players who want to take matters into their own hands.”