Capello hits out at Bastoni and Chivu: ‘2 things struck me’

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 23: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 23, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Fabio Capello was ‘upset’ to see Alessandro Bastoni’s ‘obvious simulation’ during Inter-Juventus but was also disappointed by Cristian Chivu, even if ‘his actions matter more than words.’

Former Italian coach Capello strongly criticised Inter defender Bastoni and Nerazzurri coach Chivu in his latest column for Gazzetta dello Sport.

During Saturday’s game against Juventus, Bastoni had tricked the referee by going down too easily on a Pierre Kalulu challenge, causing a second yellow for the Bianconeri defender just before the break.

Capello: Bastoni ‘can’t behave like that’

“Two things struck me in particular. The first: a player like Bastoni, of international calibre and a key figure in our national team, cannot and, above all, must not behave like that,” wrote Capello.

“It was very upsetting for all the football fans to see him deceive the referee with an obvious simulation, especially since he was already booked and therefore risking a second yellow card.”

Inter coach Chivu refused to blame Bastoni during his post-match interviews, suggesting that Kalulu should have avoided putting his hands on his defender.

Before the game, however, the Inter coach had stated that he wouldn’t comment on a referee unless he heard a Serie A coach openly acknowledge a favourable referee decision.

“Second thing,” continued Capello.

Capello: Chivu’s ‘actions matter more’ than his words

“I know Chivu very well, as he was one of my players at Roma, but his words after the game deeply disappointed me. The Inter coach was not consistent with what he had said on the eve of the match, and in the end, he gave the impression of justifying what happened.

“More than his words, however, his actions matter. Chivu substituted Bastoni at halftime because he knew exactly that he would be at risk if he stayed on the pitch. I would have expected statements of a very different tone, especially after a victory.”

Inter and Juventus both return to action mid-week as both sides have European commitments.

The Bianconeri will visit Galatasaray on Tuesday, while Inter will play away at Bodo/Glimt on Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off.