Fabio Capello explained why Juventus have an edge in the title race this season but admitted Inter ‘have a better equipped squad’.
The Bianconeri have started the season in strong fashion, winning three of their opening four games against Udinese, Empoli and Lazio. The team’s only slight wobble was a 1-1 draw with Bologna, leaving them two points behind the Nerazzurri at the top of the table.
Following their various off-pitch issues last season, Juventus will not take part in European competition this campaign, agreeing to be excluded from the Conference League.
Speaking on page five of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello first underlined the benefits Juventus will enjoy from no European competitions.
“Not having the European cups is an advantage for the Scudetto. It was the same for my Milan in 1991-92, when we were disqualified in Europe, and it will be the same for this Juve too.
“Less travel, less physical and psychological tiredness linked to matches on Tuesday or Wednesday. And therefore, also fewer injuries. It is easier for a coach to plan the week and even the month when the only objective is the league.”
He refuted the idea that the Bianconeri squad could get bored playing just once a week.
“No. More than boredom, envy takes over from seeing other teams on television. It must be transformed into anger on the pitch. Max, a bit like I did, must focus on the sense of revenge.”
The former coach was asked why Massimiliano Allegri has spoken about top four goals rather than the title.
“This time Max is hiding. Probably because he doesn’t want to be seen as the favourite after the last two years. Hiding, however, is not like Juventus! Allegri is a professor of the trade, he knows what it takes to win.”
He spoke about the strongest elements of the current Juventus side.
“Chiesa and Vlahovic. Now they are physically well and making a difference. I’m not surprised because I’ve been through groin pain too. Without injuries, Vlahovic and Chiesa are a 40-goal duo. It’s a shame for Pogba, but I see Locatelli growing.”
Capello suggested that Domenico Berardi would’ve been a perfect fit for this squad.
“He would have been ideal for this Juve. Domenico gets the ball to you in the right way. What a trio with Vlahovic and Chiesa.”
He was asked if Inter and Juventus were the two favourites this season.
“They seem to me to be the two most competitive teams. Inter are convinced of their strength and have a better equipped squad, Juve have important values and don’t have European competition.”
Finally, Capello discussed the other teams in the race for the league title this campaign.
“I didn’t like Milan in the derby, but they played an excellent match in the Champions League. Roma depend a lot on the Dybala-Lukaku duo.
“Napoli seemed to me to be improving in the cup, but the Azzurri must rediscover the desire to press from last year and the best Kvara and Osimhen.
“Lazio started slowly and the farewell of Milinkovic Savic is being felt, the other day to score a header, one of the Serb’s specialties, Provedel, the goalkeeper, had to go into the area…
“Jokes aside, the team I saw Sarri better against Atletico and they will improve in the league.”