Former coach Fabio Capello explained where Inter found the edge over Juventus in their Derby d’Italia triumph and believes both teams will now play more calmly.
The Nerazzurri fought hard to edge out a fiery 1-0 win over their rivals in the tensest derby in recent memory, with just a point separating the two teams at the top of the table heading into the clash at San Siro.
Inter now hold a four-point lead over Juventus and have a game in hand, giving them control in the title race with just over three months of Serie A action left to play. Simone Inzaghi’s side are also competing in the Champions League, where they’ll face Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16.
Speaking on page 13 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello first explained how Inter found victory against Juventus in the Derby d’Italia.
“The Scudetto has never been in question and this time we saw Inter’s superiority in quality and personality. This victory is worth a piece of the title.
“Inter were dominant in the midfield. The greater quality of Calhanoglu and the other midfielders made the difference. The Nerazzurri’s department is complete and very strong, they recover balls, make their quality count and are dangerous in front of goal.
“The Bianconeri also suffered from Dimarco on the left. Inzaghi’s team also changed gears with the changes, confirming that they have a larger and superior squad on a technical level.”
He was asked if the derby win was worth more than just three points.
“It’s worth much more than three points. Inter have a four-point lead over Juventus and a game in hand, still to be recovered due to Supercoppa commitments. Now the Nerazzurri will be able to play more calmly.”
The former Milan coach touched on where Juventus went wrong in the match.
“Someone like Vlahovic had to score in the first half, he was too desperate due to the wrong control and the wasted chance.
“If Szczesny was the best on the pitch for the Bianconeri, that must also mean something… In general, Juventus’ ball movement was too slow, and few balls were played vertically.”
He spoke about how Kenan Yildiz suffered from the pressure at San Siro.
“Yes, I think it impacted him. I believe that Yildiz is a player who needs to move further forward, but this time there was little space for Juventus.”
Capello was asked if the derby loss would be a key setback for Juventus.
“I don’t believe so. Now I’m convinced that Juventus will play more serenely. And they will have no problems qualifying for the Champions League.”
He spoke about what he’d say to his players if he was Massimiliano Allegri.
“Guys, we did our part, we understood our value and now we will have to improve to play faster and with more balls vertically.”
The former coach did the same for Simone Inzaghi.
“I would say this to the team: ‘Congratulations, guys, excellent match. We played with respect for our opponent, we must continue like this’.”
He commented on the Nerazzurri’s chances in the Champions League.
“I’m convinced that Inter will go far in the Champions League because Inzaghi has a strong team, with a midfield that is among the best in Europe.”
Finally, Capello was asked if Stefano Pioli’s Milan could put pressure on Juventus, sitting just four points behind.
“I don’t think so. But one thing is certain, the new players at Milan have all integrated and the Rossoneri have taken the right path.”