Capello advises Milan and Inter on young strikers Camarda and Esposito: ‘San Siro test’ – Football Italia

Francesco Camarda of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between Verona and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on December 20, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Fabio Capello believes that Milan teenager Francesco Camarda was good enough to stay in and around the Rossoneri first-team this season, but feels that young Inter centre-forward Francesco Pio Esposito may have to settle for another year on loan as well if the Nerazzurri are able to bring in Ademola Lookman. 

Capello on Milan and Inter’s young centre-forward talents

The former Juventus, Milan, Real Madrid and England assessed the Milanese youngsters in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, published on Saturday. 

As things stand, Milan only have one centre-forward in Santiago Gimenez in their senior squad and have been exploring possible deals with Juventus and Manchester United for Dusan Vlahovic and Rasmus Hojlund. 

Even though Massimiliano Allegri’s side will only compete in Serie A and the Coppa Italia next season, Capello is confused at the decision to send 17-year-old sensation Camarda out on loan to Lecce for the 2025-26 season, as he feels that he is good enough to make an impact in the Rossoneri first team. 

“I go crazy when I hear people say ‘he’s good, but he has to grow,” Capello told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “If you’re good enough, you have to play. And that’s it.

“I’ve followed Camarda carefully over the last few years. When he plays, he’s put in a performance equal to or greater than the other Milan strikers. He’s ready. 

“If you have a talent, you keep him and let him play. He should have stayed with the Rossoneri. Also, because Milan only plays in the league.

“Francesco had already passed the San Siro exam with flying colours. He could have played consistently, even at Milan, who are now looking for another centre-forward instead.” 

Turning his attention to the other San Siro occupants, Inter, Capello said that he likes the look of youngster Esposito, but feels that he may end up surplus to requirements if Inter bring in Lookman from Atalanta, given that they already have Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram and Ange-Yoan Bonny at their disposal. 

“Pio did good things at the Club World Cup, but he hasn’t passed the San Siro test yet,” Capello said. 

“It’s true that Inter are playing in several competitions, while Milan only has the league, but if Chivu believes that Lookman is more ready and tactically functional to the project, Esposito could do another year out on loan. 

“These are evaluations that the coach and management have to make from time to time.”