
Fabio Kapelo draws on his long experience as a coach when it comes to giving his opinion on all matters that concern football.
This time with the World Cup and Serie A in focus, in an interview for "Corriere della Sera", the Italian gave his opinion on Messi and Ronaldo, as he scanned the main contenders for the title in Italy and their main players.
What is left in your eyes from the World Cup?
The athletic freshness of all the players, at a time of the season that is perfect for form. This made matches difficult for everyone, even the good ones. The other thing that impressed me is the compactness of the teams: practically none of them played high defense.
Possession is gone, what do you think?
Thank God! It was the death of football, absolute boredom. Possession takes the responsibility off whoever has the ball. It takes courage to play it vertically.
Have you ever seen a centre-forward like Lautaro, scoring every other month? Brozovic also returns to Inter, luxury or problem?
I like Lautaro, he is complete. In the World Cup, he was a little slow in execution. This also stems from the fact that in Italy things go slower and he is used to this style of play. As a coach, I would like to have these "problems" in the midfield that Inzagi has, then we can play as we want. It may also depend on the match.
Handbrake, because in front of him was Mbape, who did not want others to swim in his waters, only he could do that.
What do you think of goalkeeper Martinez's gesture?
How do you see the cape on Mesi's arms?
I see it as a gesture of recognition of greatness, as if to say you deserve it, because you have made a masterpiece. Others read it in a political way, I think of it in a sporting way.
Messi as Maradona: a debate that bores you or stimulates reflection?
For me Messi was at this level even without the World Cup. If I have to define it exactly, then I tell you that Messi, Pele and Maradona have done things that others don't even think about.
What do you think about Ronaldo's west?
He asked for it himself and it shouldn't be like that for what he has given in his career. His value as a player is not discussed, but at this moment he has shown himself arrogant, he came around offering himself without finding anyone who believed him. They consider it a burden for the team.
Napoli has had fewer players engaged in the World Cup, an advantage?
It could be, but the right mix of technique and strength that Spalletti has at his disposal to stay on top is what matters most. Napoli impressed me with its determination, quality and the many options available.
There will immediately be Inter-Napoli and Napoli-Juve. The real tests?
They will be wonderful tests.
Milan have not scored (at least) two titles in a row since 1994 with you on the bench. Can Pioli aim?
It's difficult, but the followers are all very close to each other. However, Napoli is the favorite.
Juvja has been shaken by an investigation and an internal earthquake: do you expect a reaction or a collapse?
It depends on which players recover. In the last matches, the compactness and mentality of Juventus was regained, but the difference is made by the quality players, not only the schemes. From the point of view of the environment, I believe that Allegri can steer the ship properly, he does not lack experience and personality. On the contrary, it will be a more beautiful challenge, as the pride of the players can come to the fore.
Will Di Maria have more motivation after the World Cup?
He made the difference in the World Cup. If Pogba, Kieza and the best version of Vlahovic return, it will be a completely different story for Juve.
But is it better to be the prey or the hunter?
Anxiety is found in those who have to follow, because it depends on the value of who is ahead. Everyone thinks they can get there, but it's not easy.