Capello: Inter better than Milan ‘on paper’, but derbies are ‘unique’

epa11870703 Milan’s Fikayo Tomori (R) in action against Inter’s Nicolo Barella during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Inter FC, in Milan, Italy, 02 February 2025. EPA-EFE/NICOLA MARFISI

Fabio Capello claims that it is ‘hard to believe’ that Milan can upset the odds and get a win against Inter in their upcoming Coppa Italia semifinal first leg, but insists that derbies always operate under their own logic, as the Rossoneri repeatedly proved in their last meetings with the city rivals.

The former Real Madrid manager also notes how motivation could make a difference in the upcoming Derby della Madonnina, as the Diavolo’s season has ‘essentially ended’ with their 2-1 defeat Napoli on Sunday, and winning the Coppa Italia now seems as their only way to play European football next season.

Capello: winning Coppa Italia is Milan’s only way to play European football

“Inter are competing on three fronts, with Champions League and Serie A as their primary goals,” Capello told La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview.

“Milan’s season essentially ended with their loss at Napoli. For Conceiçao and his team, you could say the Coppa Italia is now the only way to secure European qualification.

Not seeing Milan play in European competitions next year would be very hurtful.”

Capello was particularly impressed by Inter’s opening 45 minutes against Udinese, although he believes they eventually ‘relaxed too much’, putting their win at risk.

“They are a solid team, alert and difficult to stop once they get into the rhythm,” the former coach observed.

“Yesterday’s first half confirmed two things: first, Dimarco is special; when he runs the wing, he’s always dangerous with cut-back passes or pinpoint crosses. Second, Thuram has rediscovered excellent form.

“It was a bit like Germany against Italy: Inter relaxed too much, resting on their positive result.

“After Solet’s goal, they couldn’t regain control. Football isn’t like electricity, you can’t just turn it back on. I think Inzaghi realised this and got frustrated with his players before being sent off.”

However, Milan also put up a strong reaction in the second half against Napoli, although their response came after an opening stanza that Capello called ‘scandalous’.

“Milan’s first half was scandalous,” he said.

“I didn’t understand Conceiçao’s choices: Joao Felix starting against an opponent that runs like Napoli, and Leao on the bench. Well…”

“Leao has something extra, but of course, he lacks consistency. If he had it, maybe he wouldn’t be in this Milan…”

Milan already proved that Inter’s superiority only counts ‘on paper’

While the two teams’ differing form suggests the outcome of the Coppa Italia Derby della Madonnina is easy to predict, the 78-year-old insists the difference mainly exists ‘on paper,’ as Milan have already shown they can rise to the occasion when considered ‘underdogs.’

“On paper, it’s hard to believe it after seeing Inter’s first half against Udinese and Milan’s first half at Napoli,” he reflected.

“If both teams repeat the 45 minutes from yesterday, I struggle to see a game. But again, derbies are unique. Even in the last three meetings, Milan showed up in particular moments and were largely the underdogs.”

As for the game’s tactical keys, Capello highlighted that Milan should be cautious of one of Simone Inzaghi’s main strengths.

“Inter’s counterattacks,” he explained.

“If Milan show the same fragility as they did at Napoli, they will struggle to withstand the pressure.

“Inter are back to countering quickly and effectively, almost instinctively. The players know what to do, and the coach has his certainties. Milan, with Conceiçao, don’t seem to have the same.”