In an insightful conversation with La Gazzetta, the renowned football figure Fabio Capello shared his perspective on Juventus’ unique position in Serie A, the challenges of playing without European commitments, and the Serie A title race.
Capello pointed out that Juventus’ primary advantage in not participating in European competitions is “less travel, reduced physical and mental fatigue from midweek matches, and subsequently fewer injuries. It’s easier for the coach to plan for the week or even the month when their sole target is the league.”
When asked if the extended breaks could lead to boredom, especially for a team and coach accustomed to frequent matches, Capello disagreed, saying, “No, more than boredom, it should turn into anger on the pitch when they see other teams in Europe on TV. Max, just like I did, must focus on the desire for revenge.”
Capello shared his motivational message with the players, emphasizing, “This year, we only have the league, and we must win it because you cannot afford to not play in the Champions League. We must return to it immediately.”
Regarding the theory that not participating in Europe could potentially yield extra points, Capello humorously responded, “If it’s 7, I don’t know, because then you have to win the matches… But if you consider the reduced mental and physical pressure, there might be another 5 points.”
Capello commented on Max Allegri’s apparent focus on the Champions League rather than the Serie A, stating, “This time, Max is being deceptive. Perhaps it’s because he doesn’t want to be seen as the overwhelming favorite after the past two years. But hiding is not like Juventus… (laughs). Allegri is a master in this field, and he knows what it takes to win.”
When asked about the aspects of the new Juventus that caught his attention, Capello highlighted the performances of Chiesa and Vlahovic. He noted, “Chiesa and Vlahovic are in good physical shape now and making a difference. It doesn’t surprise me because I also suffered from thigh pains. Without injuries, Vlahovic and Chiesa can be a duo that scores 40 goals. Pogba’s return was a disgrace, but I see Locatelli growing.”
Looking ahead to Juventus facing Sassuolo and the return of Berardi, Capello expressed, “It could have been perfect for Juventus: Domenico delivers the ball to you in the right way. He would have formed a fantastic trio with Vlahovic and Chiesa.”
Capello was asked about the competition for the Scudetto, to which he responded, “It seems to me that Inter and Juventus are the two most competitive teams. Inter believes in their strength and has a better-prepared squad. Juventus has important values and isn’t playing in Europe.”
Discussing other contenders in Serie A, Capello offered insights: “I didn’t like Milan in the Derby, but they played an excellent match in the Champions League. Roma relies heavily on the Dybala and Lukaku duo. Napoli seems to have improved in the Champions League, but the Azzurri need to rediscover the desire to compete from last year and find better Kafara and Osimhen. Lazio started slowly, and the departure of Milinkovic-Savic was noticeable: on that day, for a header, one of the Serbian’s skills, it was on Provvedi, the goalkeeper, to enter the penalty area… Jokes aside, the team I saw under Sarri was better against Atletico and will improve in the league.”
