Fabio Capello has previewed the big upcoming game between AC Milan and Juventus, while offering some advice ahead of the summer.
Milan and Juventus are both on course to do what they set out to at the beginning of the season: to qualify for the Champions League. The Rossoneri have an eight-point cushion over Como in fifth, while even the Bianconeri are five points above the Lariani.
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Nonetheless, the feeling is that the game at the weekend will carry more than just three points at stake. It pits Massimiliano Allegri’s stuttering side against Luciano Spalletti’s resurgent one. A win for Juve would see them jump above Milan too, by virtue of head to head.
Capello spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published this morning and he looked ahead to Sunday’s clash as well as what is an important summer for Milan.
How do you see the game at the weekend?
“This time at San Siro, I’d rather sit on Spalletti’s bench, who at the moment seems to have fewer problems with his game and personality than Allegri.”
Juventus arrive at San Siro three points behind Milan and Napoli: are you surprised?
“Juventus were slow before, but now they’ve found tactical balance: they haven’t conceded a goal in three games. Spalletti has recovered seven points from Milan, who have been slowing down recently.”
Is qualifying for the Champions League the only thing that matters, or does qualifying in fourth, third or second place make a difference?
“Allegri has been clear from the start: the goal is to return to the Champions League, and he’s achieved it. I think Max is looking at the advantage over Como and Roma, not the advantage over Juventus. Spalletti is the same.
“End-of-season analyses shouldn’t be based on the league position, but on what’s needed to get back to winning ways. Qualifying for the Champions League must be a minimum objective for two clubs like these. Milan and Juventus must return to competing for the Scudetto.”
At this moment, do you think Milan or Juventus have a better chance of winning the 2026-27 Scudetto?
“Juventus. Spalletti has more players at the top of their game, the championship is ending on a high, and the renewals of the coach, Yildiz, McKennie, and Locatelli are proof that the club has clear ideas.
“Extending the contracts of key players also brings serenity to the environment: the disturbances of the catchphrases are avoided. Modric sang and carried the cross, often keeping Milan on their feet, but I wonder: if he were to stay, could he maintain this level at 41 years old?”
What if Allegri and Spalletti invited you to their respective transfer market meetings with the Milan and Juventus executives?
“I’d say what I always said when I was coaching: you don’t need 5-6 signings. 2 or 3 are enough, but they have to be top-quality. Better if they’re champions. Allegri and Spalletti, adding 2-3 big names, are worthy of the Scudetto. ”
What trio would Juventus need?
“There are so many names being floated, I’d play it safe: Kim from Bayern in addition to Bremer and Bernardo Silva, whose contract with Manchester City is expiring.
“The Portuguese is always in the right place and at 31 he can still shift the balance of power in Italy: it’s a signing that could have the same impact as Pirlo for Conte’s Scudetto-winning Juventus.”
Vlahovic and Lewandowski are both expiring: which of the two strikers would Spalletti and Allegri need more?
“I’d think carefully about Lewandowski. You don’t lose your eye for goal even at 37-38, but your strength yes. The Pole will always score, but when you’re approaching forty, it’s more complicated to play as a striker than as a midfielder.
“Vlahovic has less technique, but more perspective. Spalletti knows him well. With Lewandowski, however, you can win.”
And AC Milan?
“Allegri needs a centre-forward and Vlahovic would be perfect. I’d also see Goretzka in midfield and Kim in defence. We also need to see what we can afford financially.”
You’re a big fan of football and art: what kind of painters would Allegri and Spalletti be?
“Max is a Fontana: focused on the result, like the artist’s famous cuts on the canvas. Luciano is more of a De Chirico, his football is metaphysical.”
Spalletti has just renewed his contract with Juventus, and Allegri is also being discussed for the future of the national team. What are your feelings?
“If I were Milan, I’d lock down Max: he’s done an excellent job, and next season he’d have the advantage of already knowing the players.”
And what if Allegri were in charge?
“The national team is always tempting, and he’d be a good fit. These are decisions you have to feel deeply about. When England called, I immediately decided to accept because I was convinced I could achieve great results.
“I still regret Lampard’s phantom goal disallowed against Germany at the 2010 World Cup. We would have gone from 0-2 to 2-2, who knows…”
Returning to the big match at San Siro on Sunday: who do you see as the favorite?
“Juventus are doing better and traditionally aren’t struggling at San Siro; it’s a psychological issue. They can win or lose, but historically they’re playing in Milan. It’ll be the same this time around. Milan aren’t going through their best period, but they have the opportunity to seal the Champions League tie.
“One thing’s for sure: I’m not expecting a setback, especially since cooking well is never easy, as we saw in Napoli-Milan. Everyone was expecting a setback, and then Politano scored in the end, and Conte’s team won.”
From Allegri and Spalletti’s squads, are there any players who would have found a place in your Milan and Juventus?
“We would have found Modric a place on the pitch, and Yildiz at least in the squad. But only those two.”