Article by Adrian Duţă – Published on Thursday, 05 March 2026, 15:56 / Updated on Thursday, 05 March 2026 16:14
Inter played level in the final minutes with Como, preferring to avoid any risk. Everything will be decided at the return, on “Giuseppe Meazza”, on April 22. Capello praised Chivu's tactics, stating that the Romanian coach already had the derby with the city rival in minutes.
In the event of a victory, Inter will be 13 points clear of AC Milan, teams in 2nd place in Serie A. Capello is convinced that a success for Chivu's team would be equivalent to getting the title.
Fabio Capello: “Inter were already thinking, and still very seriously, about Sunday's Milan derby”
“The game in Como gave us a clear indication: Inter were already, and still very seriously, thinking about Sunday's derby in Milan. The semi-final of the Coppa Italia was undoubtedly disappointing, played at an extremely slow pace by both teams, including Como, who seemed to me more focused on qualifying for the Champions League than trying to win the Coppa Italia.
I deduce from this that Inter is convinced that, after this derby – in case of a victory – they could already sew the scudetto on their chest. That's why he managed some important players.
In addition, Inter is also gradually returning a key player like Dumfries, so Milan will have to be very careful with the wing players, also considering the incisiveness of Dimarco on the left flank.
It is true that Inter are missing Lautaro, but in attack they have already shown that they have no problems, thanks to the players who can come in and make their offensive contribution,” said Capello, according to Gazetta dello Sport.
5 titlesCapello won in Serie A: 4 with Milan and one with Roma
Fabio Capello: “The most difficult aspect for Milan is the crisis of defenders”
“The most difficult aspect for Milan is the crisis of defenders, Allegri having to deal with injuries like those of Bartesaghi and Gabbia. He really has to hope that nobody gets injured again. In attack, I imagine from the beginning the couple of Pulisic and Leão.
I heard the Portuguese very determined in the statements and, frankly, I would like to see him as determined on the field, showing with combativeness all his quality, which is undeniable.
But, many times, he ends up being absent for certain portions of the match, and for him the time has come to make this important leap”, added the former coach from Real Madrid, Milan, Rome.
2 trophiesgot Capello at Real Madrid: the titles in Spain in 1997 and 2007
Capello: “Chivu, very wisely, thought about this match very carefully”
Capello believes it will be a generational duel between Chivu and Allegri.
“Inter, on the other hand, got almost everyone back; Lautaro is missing, but there's not much to complain about. Chivu, very wisely, thought about this match very carefully.
We must prepare for a clash between generations: the new wave is represented by Chivu against Allegri, the experienced coach who brought Milan to an excellent position in Serie A.
Inter's technician was very good from a psychological point of viewbecause he entered the players' minds with humility, making them understand that they are still strong and can win again.”
Even if a draw would suit both coaches, a win for either team would represent a remarkable leap: one would book the scudettothe other would distance itself from fifth place, given that Allegri's stated goal is to qualify for the next edition of the Champions League.
Milan will certainly not be able to afford to be careless as Inter's quality is far superior to that of their rivals, who lost at home to Parma and only played a half-good game against Cremonese, giving their opponents more chances.
– Fabio Capello
Capello: “Let's show that Italian football is valuable and not boring”
The former winner of the Champions League with Milan wants to see a spectacular derby that will honor Italian football.
“Allegri will have to be careful not to leave spaces for Inter, especially when Çalhanoğlu is on the pitch, who is very adept at opening the game up the lanes, where Inter are strong. It must be said, however, that lately Inter have started to show weaknesses in defense, they have become a bit slow, and Leão and Pulisic, with their qualities, could cause problems for the leader.
It is true that a win for Milan would keep the championship alive, but for the sake of our football, the neutral supporter must above all hope for a beautiful game to watch: high-paced, combative, well refereed, letting the game flow, without constant interruptions.
Above all, we are talking about the first and second placed facing each other in a match broadcast in many countries: it would be important to show that Italian football is valuable and not boring”Capello also stated.
