Fabio Capello (photo by jurij kodrun/getty images)
Fabio Capello has shared his prediction for the final two games of the Serie A season, and has revealed what he would say in the dressing room if he were in charge of both Napoli and Inter, who remain locked in a duel for the 2024-25 title.
With just two fixtures remaining in the Serie A schedule, Napoli and Inter are still separated by just one point at the top of the standings. Atalanta, meanwhile, have secured Champions League football for next season with a 2-1 win over Roma on Monday evening, which has kept the Giallorossi out of the top four, much to the help of Juventus.
With only two games to go and everything still to play for at the top and in the race for the top four, there is a possibility that the 2024-25 Serie A season is settled by a Scudetto play-off.
What Capello would say if he were in charge of Napoli and Inter
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello says that this season feels more like a detective novel’, and feels that there are still several storylines to be completed.
Asked what he would say to the players if he were in Antonio Conte’s shoes in the Napoli dressing room, Capello said: “Napoli are still ahead, and there are no reasons to not have confidence. I’d reiterate that to the team. You are strong, it’s still in our hands, we just need to have a good attitude.”
And what would he say in Simone Inzaghi’s position?
“I would say that there are now three finals left to play: Lazio, Como and of course PSG. And I would add that the team has nothing to lose for the last two rounds of the league. They have to go on the pitch focused, determined and then you never know. If Napoli were to slip up again …”
Capello also shared what he would work on on the training ground if he were in charge of either Inter or Napoli: “I would try to recover energy. On a physical level for both and on a mental level for Napoli. Conte will have to be good at erasing the 2-2 draw against Genoa from his team’s minds.”
Capello believes that Inter’s competitiveness at the top of the table is particularly impressive given that they had only just got through a spectacular 7-6 aggregate victory over Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League, the second leg of which took 120 minutes.
“Inzaghi has caught up ground with turnovers, and it’s a great result because he did it while protecting those who gave everything in those 120 minutes against Barcelona, while relaunching some of the secondary reinforcements at the same time.
“This is Inter’s strength: The squad. If Simone adds more and more starters back in for Lazio and the last one in Como, they will only improve. He got here with the group, which remains his weapon to get his nose back in front.”
Capello’s prediction for the final two games of 2024-25
Where does Capello feel the weaknesses lie for Napoli and Inter?
“Conte needs to raise levels on a few too many weaknesses in the defensive phase. Genoa hit them twice by taking advantage of the aerial game and crosses, but defending high balls used to be a strength for Napoli: They will have to return to being impeccable against Parma and Cagliari.
“For Inter, I don’t see any particularly critical issues: Inzaghi has to continue motivating his reserves and make sure that his team’s desire to fight for every ball stays the same. With a Champions League final to play, it’s psychological, for example, when someone pulls their leg back to avoid risking an injury.
“Napoli are tired, but I still saw some moments of brilliance in the second half. The problem is the injuries, and in particular the one to Lobotka. He’s a reference point in this team and he brings balance in the game.
“Inter no longer have the freshness they had a couple of months ago, especially in midfield, but this moment is special, it gives you energy.”
And when asked for his final prediction for the 2024-25 Serie A title, Capello said: “Napoli missed a shot, but I’m convinced that they won’t miss any more.”
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