Former coach Fabio Capello understands Massimiliano Allegri’s defensive tactics at Juventus: ‘Manchester City did the same thing for 25 minutes against Inter.’
Juventus secured a hard-fought 1-0 win in Florence on Sunday, scoring one goal with just three shots on target and keeping barely 30% of ball possession. Allegri has been criticised for his defensive playing style, but Capello sees the whole thing from a different perspective.
“Juventus showed solidity, unity and desire to help each other in Florence. Fiorentina tried to attack but didn’t find space because, perhaps they lacked an unpredictable player up front,” the ex-Juventus, Milan and England coach told Gazzetta.
“Juventus’ defensive performance was excellent, they made the most of the qualities of their players. Manchester City love to attack with many players, but when they need to, they defend deeper. They did the same thing for 25 minutes in the Champions League Final against Inter.
“You need the right players to do so,” continued Capello.
“Rugani and Gatti are not very flexible, they give their best inside the box and in fact, they won all aerial duels alongside Bremer.”
Juventus sit second in the Serie A table, two below Inter who they will meet at the Allianz Stadium on November 26 after the international break.
“Allegri is snubbed and criticised because he doesn’t follow the gospel, but there is not just one religion in football,” added Capello.
“I used to change my style depending on the characteristics of my players and the countries where I was working because each place has a footballing DNA. Any coach would like to attack for 90 minutes but then they have to consider opponents and the characteristics of their team.”
Juventus and Inter have the less-beaten defences in the league, with just six goals conceded each, but the Bianconeri have kept six consecutive clean sheets in Serie A.
“Not conceding goals is a strength, the starting base,” argued Capello.
“The difference between Inter and Juventus is that the Nerazzurri have more quality, so they score more goals. They are on a different level.
“Calhanoglu can put the ball wherever he wants, like Dimarco. Then they have Mkhitaryan, Barella, Frattesi, just to name some. Allegri has normal players in midfield. He no longer has Pjanic, Pogba or Dybala. He lacks creativity, so he must rely on counter-attacks.”
Juventus will host Cagliari at the Allianz Stadium this coming Saturday in the last game before the November international break. Inter, on the other hand, will meet Frosinone at the Stadio Meazza.
Tonight, the Nerazzurri visit RB Salzburg in a Champions League group-stage game at the Red Bull Arena.