Fabio Capello believes Milan’s strong Serie A position hides real danger, warning that Massimiliano Allegri’s side cannot assume a Champions League spot is secure. The former Milan head coach also questioned Allegri’s choices in the recent Supercoppa Italiana, suggesting the team and staff did not treat the competition with full conviction.
Allegri took charge in May after Sergio Conceicao and repeatedly stated that Milan’s priority is a return to the Champions League. Milan finished eighth in Serie A last season and missed Europe’s main club competition, so qualification this year is seen inside the club as a key target.
Milan currently sit second in Serie A, one point behind leaders and rivals Inter, while reigning champions Napoli are also
in contention to keep the Scudetto. Yet Juventus are only three points back in fifth, and Bologna, Como, Lazio and Atalanta still hope to break into the Serie A top four.
Data from the Opta supercomputer gives Milan an 80.7% probability of ending the campaign in the Serie A top four. Inter are rated at 95.5% to make the Champions League places. Those numbers suggest a strong chance, but Capello argued that performances from rivals like Juventus mean nothing is settled yet.
"Milan have to be careful about their Champions League spot. It will be a good fight. Juve, over their last few games, have been fast, aggressive," Capello said. "I've seen changes on the pitch, balls being played vertically, and they have playmakers who can make the difference. Roma are missing a centre-forward, but if they get [Joshua] Zirkzee, that could solve it. He has conviction, strength, desire, and when he played against Juve, he showed that he was on the same level. "
Capello also focused on Roma’s attacking issues, highlighting the search for a new centre-forward. Joshua Zirkzee was picked out as a possible answer after the display against Juventus. In Capello’s view, Zirkzee’s physical qualities and mentality could lift Roma and add another strong competitor in the crowded chase for the Serie A top four.
The Supercoppa Italiana raised further questions about Milan’s readiness for the decisive part of the season. Allegri’s side lost 2-0 to Napoli in the semi-final in Saudi Arabia, with David Neres and Rasmus Hojlund scoring in a match largely controlled by the Scudetto holders. Milan failed to score and conceded twice in a one-sided contest.
That defeat continued an unwanted trend for Milan. It was the first time since a 2-0 league loss to Juventus in January that Milan were beaten without scoring while allowing at least two goals. For a side with ambitions in the Serie A top four and the Champions League, such displays raise concerns about consistency.
Capello, who lifted the Supercoppa Italiana three times with Milan, criticised the selection against Napoli and suggested the squad did not fully embrace the event. "The players seem unconvinced, as if they wanted to get this tournament out of the way to work on the league," Capello added. "I didn't like it. Milan are second, they aren't in any other cups and can plan their own schedule. Even Allegri didn't convince me. He didn't field his best team, though it's true that a coach wants to make everyone feel involved. "
Milan now turn back to Serie A, hosting Hellas Verona at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Sunday. With no other cup commitments, Allegri can manage training loads and preparation around the league schedule. Results over the coming weeks will show whether Milan can match Capello’s demands and protect their Champions League spot in a tight Serie A top four race.
