Capello cautions: ‘Milan must be vigilant regarding their Champions League position now’
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 20: Fabio Capello is present at the Sporting Mixed Zone prior to the Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Palacio De Cibeles on April 20, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Laureus)
Fabio Capello has alerted his former club Milan that their place in next year’s Champions League is not assured and expresses a desire to see an enhanced performance against Hellas Verona after their unsatisfactory Supercoppa Italiana run last week. The Rossoneri will resume Serie A action on Sunday, facing Verona at San Siro, with kickoff set for 11:30 GMT. Massimiliano Allegri’s team currently sits second in the Serie A standings, just two points behind Inter, prior to the match. Nevertheless, Milan is determined to return to winning form following a disappointing Supercoppa Italiana performance that ended in a 2-0 loss to Napoli in the semi-final.
Capello sends a warning to Milan: ‘Allowing too many goals’ Fabio Capello (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images) Capello, in a detailed conversation with La Gazzetta dello Sport, stated that the loss against Napoli should have served as a lesson for Milan. He also believes that excessive team rotations and Allegri’s limited attacking options contributed to Milan’s struggles during the Super Cup. “The Milan team from the last outing needs a reset, and if they continue to concede goals at this rate, they cannot expect to outplay other teams, even those they can contend with,” Capello remarked to La Gazzetta dello Sport. “They lacked a central striker: Far too often, there was no offensive threat,” he added. “Modric’s decline during Rabiot’s absence must also be emphasized. They are allowing too many goals due to a deficiency of midfield protection, which causes the defenders to become disoriented.” Capello also criticized Allegri for not deploying his strongest lineup in the Supercoppa semi-final.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 14, 2025, in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “The players appear uncertain, almost as if they wished to conclude this tournament to concentrate on the league. I found that troubling. Milan stands in second place, they are not involved in any other competitions, which allows them to manage their schedule.”
“Even Allegri did not impress me. He didn’t play his top players. It’s true that a coach wants to make everyone feel included, but still…”
As they prepare for their Serie A return this weekend, Capello cautioned: “At this point, Milan must be attentive concerning their Champions League position. It’ll be a tough battle. Juve, in their recent matches, have been swift and aggressive. I’ve noticed changes on the field, with vertical passes, and they possess playmakers who can be game-changers.
“Roma lacks a central striker, but if they acquire Zirkzee, that might resolve the issue. He possesses confidence, strength, and desire, and when he faced Juve, he demonstrated that he was performing at their level.”
When asked if any other Serie A teams might contend for a top-four finish this season, Capello stated: “Bologna and Atalanta have cup commitments, which always play a role. I see Lazio performing well; they have no cup engagements and are on an upward trajectory. They have a seasoned coach, and in my opinion, they will compete until the end.”
Regarding Como’s prospects, Capello noted: “They still seem a bit too inexperienced for me. They performed dominantly against Juventus in mid-October, but in their last two matches, they played like a team lacking maturity. I don’t see players eager to step up and take charge.”
Published: 2025-12-27 11:28:00
source: football-italia.net
