Capello discusses the Scudetto battle, highlighting Inter’s self-management and Napoli’s opportunity. Meanwhile, AC Milan targets Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof on a free transfer.

Capello on the Scudetto clash: “Inter know how to manage themselves, and it’s an opportunity for Napoli”

Fabio Capello, who has won five Italian championships as a coach, offered his thoughts on the upcoming Inter-Napoli clash. The former Milan manager shared his expectations with Gazzetta dello Sport. “classic Scudetto clash: Just look at the winners of recent seasons: since 2021, Inter have won twice, Napoli once. They are the giants of Serie A.”

When asked which team is under more pressure, Capello states, “I’m convinced that Sunday’s match will be a very, very important test, especially for Napoli. And I’m not saying this because they risk losing the top spot in the standings and being overtaken by Inter. This game weighs particularly heavily on Conte and his team because it comes after the ugly defeat at the Maradona against Atalanta. The clash with Inter offers Napoli the chance to redeem themselves immediately, which is why I’m sure Conte will have been hammering the team.”

Capello thinks Conte will prioritize the mental side of the game: “The coach’s work here is twofold: first, he needs to free the players’ minds from the images of the Atalanta match. The concept is: we are not really the team from last Sunday. Conte’s next step will be to rebuild a courageous Napoli, with personality, like the one that deservedly beat Milan at San Siro.”

Capello describes the tactical battle between Conte and Inzaghi as “Fascinating because two winning coaches who are experiencing very different moments are facing each other. Conte in Naples is carrying out recovery work: he’s trying to bring back, according to his principles, the play, intensity, and spirit of the Scudetto from two years ago. Inzaghi, on the other hand, lives as the eternal favorite: since he arrived at Inter, he’s been coaching the strongest team, he’s ‘condemned’ to win, he has no alternatives. And he has shown that he can wear the suit of a coach under pressure well: the Scudetto of the star, achieved in that way, speaks for him.”

Capello also reflects on Inter’s recent Champions League game against Arsenal, pointing out that European competitions take a toll on both physical and mental energy. “Inter has found the right balance because Inzaghi rotates without losing in terms of performance and results.”

Capello emphasizes Calhanoglu’s crucial role for Inter when discussing key players. “Calha is the tactical fulcrum of Inzaghi: his direction not only offers illuminating plays for his teammates but strengthens the team in the defensive phase. Calhanoglu creates, scores, and protects the defenders. With him, Inter will become solid again, you’ll see.”

Finally, Capello anticipates the Lautaro vs Lukaku showdown but stresses the significance of the midfield contest, particularly if Napoli can include Lobotka. “If Napoli can field Lobotka again, there will be fun in the middle.”

AC Milan Target Manchester United’s Lindelof on Free Transfer

AC Milan are keen on signing Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof, who will be a free agent next season. The Serie A club is “seriously interested” in the 30-year-old Swedish defender, valuing his experience. Lindelof has made 266 appearances for United since joining in 2017.

Lindelof’s contract expires this season, and with the arrivals of Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, there are no signs of a renewal. As a free agent, he’s expected to attract interest, but AC Milan is ready to move fast and could approach the 30-year-old in January when he can negotiate with overseas clubs.

Lindelof has had limited playing time recently, missing long stretches due to injury last season and playing a full 90 minutes just twice this season. His most recent start was in the 2-0 Europa League win over PAOK, alongside Jonny Evans, and he also played the full match in the Carabao Cup win against Leicester. However, his Premier League minutes have been minimal, totaling just 58 across four matches, often filling in as a full-back due to injuries.

A revival for Lindelof seems unlikely, even with Ruben Amorim’s preference for a 3-4-3 formation, especially with the highly-rated Yoro aiming for his first competitive match after injury. United already has ample center-back options and is linked with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. Although Amorim may not keep Lindelof, he shares a unique connection with him, having played alongside him three times at Benfica.

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