Fabio Capello insists Italy do not need a prolific centre forward to win games and feels the Azzurri needed a more dynamic midfield and Sandro Tonali at EURO 2024.
The Azzurri immediately bounced back after a disappointing EURO 2024 exit on Friday, beating France 3-1 in Paris.
Italy still lack a proven goal scorer, but Capello is convinced that it can be replaced with an organised playing style.
“If the centre forward doesn’t score many goals, it’s essential that he’s involved in the attacks and creates space for his teammates,” the former coach told Gazzetta.
“In this case, if you have wingers who play close to him or central midfielders who are dangerous with late runs, you can overcome the lack of a proper hitman as a centre forward.
“Retegui was highly involved on Friday. He didn’t score, but he was crucial to scoring the second goal with the assist for Frattesi and, on other occasions, creating space for his teammates. Italy deservedly beat France and made no errors.”
Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi is not a regular starter at his club but has been the best Azzurri goal scorer in the Spalletti era.
Capello: ‘Italy needed this midfield’ and Tonali at the Euros
“I think he’s fundamental to Italy, but he will also be crucial for Inter,” argued Capello.
“Inzaghi has Mkhitaryan and Barella, but I am convinced that Frattesi will have even more chances this season, as there will be many rotations.”
Tonali provided an assist for Federico Dimarco against France in his first international appearance in a year.
“His return was crucial. With him, Frattesi and Ricci, the midfield is more dynamic. We would have needed this midfielder at the Euros because Jorginho lacked the required intensity,” said Capello.
A few key players were not included in the Azzurri squad for September matches, including Gianluca Scamacca who sustained a cruciate ligament injury during the pre-season.
“Scamacca was unlucky, but he’ll be back, and he only needs time,” said Capello.
Milan talent Francesco Camarda, 16, also needs time, even if for different reasons. Many fans are pushing to see more young players in the senior Azzurri squad, but Capello insists that the Rossoneri starlet is still not ready.
“Camarda still needs time. He can’t make a triple jump from Serie C to the national team,” he noted.
“I hope he does well with Milan Futuro and then with the first team. Milan need strong Italians, but young players need time to develop with calm.”
Why always a young player not ready? All nations around the world will play a 17 year old if he is good enough and there is a need for it. Italy infantalise people and players because old heads can then control the narrative. It is time to change that mentality and encourage young players to be risky and be daring. It will encourage the player and at the same time given him the experience and confidence to get better.
But here is Capello still saying Camada isn’t ready.
i’m sure Capello has good reason to say Camarda is not ready. There have been examples of other young players accumulating scoring records like he did at youth level and not developing further. When and if he becomes ready for Serie A and the national team they will know and give him the opportunity