Fabio Capello: “Atalanta believe in their strength”

Atalanta’s impressive rise to the top of Serie A, even if just for one night, has captured attention across the league. Their recent victory over AC Milan not only highlights their strength but also showcases their unwavering conviction under coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

Writing for Gazzetta dello Sport, legendary Italian coach Fabio Capello shared his opinions on La Dea, emphasizing that Atalanta play with “intensity worthy of the Champions League or Premier League,” suggesting that their style could easily fit in those competitive environments.

Despite not delivering their best performance against Milan, Atalanta managed to secure a crucial win. Capello noted that while they struggled to find space, they demonstrated their determination by scoring two goals from set pieces. He pointed out a key moment in the match: “Look at De Ketelaere on the first goal. While Theo Hernandez had a passive attitude, De Ketelaere jumped high and went for the ball.” This moment encapsulates the contrasting mindsets of the teams on that night.

Capello believes Atalanta has what it takes to challenge for the Serie A title, stating, “Gasperini has been coaching that team for many years now… The base he’s built is excellent. I don’t think they’re missing much to fight for the title.” He acknowledged that other teams like Inter, Juventus, and Milan are undergoing transitions, which could open a window of opportunity for Atalanta.

On the flip side, Milan’s performance left much to be desired. Capello criticized their approach post-injury to Pulisic, stating, “They did too little, especially after Pulisic’s injury.” He highlights that Maignan, the goalkeeper, ended up playing more balls than many outfield players, indicating a lack of effective possession and confidence within the team. “That’s not possession; it’s a waste of time,” he added.

The defeat is particularly concerning for Milan as they find themselves trailing in the league standings. Capello warns that while it may seem early in the season, “if you keep saying it’s early, it will get late.” He stressed that Milan must address their issues quickly to avoid falling further behind in the race for Champions League qualification.

In contrast, Inter Milan showcased a strong performance against Parma. Capello praised their recognizable style and players’ commitment: “This desire was evident in recoveries and tracking back when Parma launched counterattacks.” He commended Mkhitaryan for his two assists, particularly noting his excellent setup for Barella’s goal.

However, Capello also observed some frustration from Lautaro Martinez due to his ongoing goal drought with Inter: “He hasn’t scored for over a month… It’s strange because he scores almost every game with Argentina.” Despite this, Capello reassured that Lautaro’s contributions remain valuable even when he doesn’t find the back of the net.

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