Fabio Capello and Arrigo Sacchi have tipped Inter to defend the Scudetto, while admitting their surprise at AC Milan’s difficult start under Paulo Fonseca.
Milan have not had a good beginning to their new era as they have taken just two points from a possible nine under Fonseca. A 2-2 draw against Torino (in which the Rossoneri were 2-0 down) was followed by a 2-1 defeat in Parma and another 2-2 draw against Lazio.
The expectation was that Milan would pick up some early wins to build confidence and some momentum, yet after the Venezia game which follows the international break there is the daunting double-header of Liverpool (in the Champions League) and Inter to come.
Capello and Sacchi gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport and the central theme was the start of the Serie A season with Milan struggling, Inter the favourites and Juventus impressing as well. Their comments were relayed by Radio Rossonera.
Capello: “Our Milan surprises me, Arrigo. After a year of an unbalanced team, little order and many goals conceded, they started again in the same way, without balance. And they are already chasing Inter.”
Sacchi: “I was deluded by watching the first half of the match against Lazio. It seemed to me that they were moving reasonably well. I was wrong, the second half was disheartening. A team that didn’t move as a team. Without pressing, even if in Italy few teams do real pressing. They go in moments. And if you do it like that the others don’t struggle.”
Capello: “The preseason? Opponents with a name, but without big names. Games of little value.”
Sacchi: “I don’t watch the pre-season games, not even one. It’s just a waste of time.”