Fabio Capello gives his verdict on why Paulo Dybala is ideal for Roma and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia reminds him of Mohamed Salah at Napoli, but has ‘reservations’ over Milan’s strikers.
The former England, Russia, Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid coach spoke to the Corriere dello Sport about the upcoming Serie A campaign and the many changes at the top clubs over the summer.
In his second season at the Stadio Olimpico, Jose Mourinho’s Roma has upgraded with Nemanja Matic and Dybala as free agents.
“Dybala is a vortex of options on the field, the signing that Mourinho needed to raise the level and ambition at Roma,” said Capello.
“He is also perfect for the fans. Jose won the Conference League in his first campaign and got back to terms with Italian football, now he is targeting a place in the top four.
“Mourinho isn’t suited to lower targets, so clubs need to give him what he wants, because he knows the path. It’s no coincidence he put that pressure on Roma to get what he wanted.”
Milan won the Scudetto last season for the first time in over a decade, but Capello still has some concerns over Stefano Pioli’s squad.
“Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara proved they’ve got vision with signings like Theo Hernandez, Fikayo Tomori, Pierre Kalulu and Mike Maignan.
“I have a few reservations over the attacking options. Olivier Giroud didn’t entirely convince me, while Divock Origi represents something of a gamble. He did good things at Liverpool, but needs to find consistency.
“Milan can always rely on Rafael Leao, who is a real guarantee and I hope he can confirm his extraordinary potential.”
Napoli are transformed, releasing Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens and David Ospina as free agents, then selling Kalidou Koulibaly to Chelsea.
“Luciano Spalletti has lost Koulibaly, someone who gave a real sense of confidence to the whole squad. I am curious to see how Napoli do, especially Kvaratskhelia, who in his movements reminds me of an early Mohamed Salah.”