Fabio Capello’s Scudetto verdict on Milan, Inter, Juventus, Roma and Napoli

Fabio Capello has given a comprehensive verdict on Scudetto title challengers Inter, AC Milan, Napoli, Roma and Juventus. 

Capello cannot see any of Inter, Milan, Napoli, Roma or Juventus ‘breaking away’ in Scudetto title race

This season’s race for the Serie A title is one of the most exciting in recent years.

Inter sit at the summit on 33 points, with Milan second on 32 and Napoli third on 31.

Meanwhile, Roma are fourth on 30 points, while Juventus are on 29 points in fifth.

With just four points separating the top five – plus Bologna and Como not far behind – it has made for a very exciting title race.

Just a few weeks ago, Jose Mourinho gave his thoughts on the tussle for the Scudetto.

Now, Capello has revealed that he cannot see anyone “breaking away”.

He noted each side has dropped points and “occasionally slow down” in a congested top five.

Capello argued the Scudetto will reward the team that fixes its obvious flaws first.

Asked by La Gazzetta dello Sport whether this five-way race for the Serie A title could go all the way, Capello said: “Why not?

“I don’t see anyone breaking away at the moment. They all score points, they all occasionally slow down.

“Milan and Roma were in the lead, now Inter and Napoli are back up there, Juve are seriously getting back into the frame.”

Capello bullish on Juve comeback chances as Inter praised for pragmatism

Juventus didn’t begin the season particularly well, but three wins from four Serie A games have put them firmly in the frame.

“Their season certainly isn’t over,” said Capello. “They’ve got a run of forms that could bring them 12 points in their next few games.”

He later said: “Juve are there, they could make up the gap, and they still have direct clashes left to play.”

As for Inter, Capello thinks Cristian Chivu has done the right thing in not experimenting too much at present.

“Chivu has played it safe so far,” said the iconic Italian coach.

“I think he’s evaluated the (suboptimal) condition of several players and has therefore decided to hold off with any experiments. He’s in the lead though.”

Capello’s thoughts on Milan, Roma and Napoli title chances

Capello warned Milan by saying they “drop points and concede goals” too often to control a title run.

He called a lack of defensive solidity their “downfall”, arguing individual errors have cost them too many points despite their proactive, attacking approach.

Capello also highlighted Milan’s January search for a classic centre-forward, describing Niclas Fullkrug as an “old-fashioned striker”.

However, he stressed that it is not only about a new No 9, adding Milan must exploit a lighter schedule because they are not playing in Europe.

As for Roma, Capello suggested that they are still one key piece short, agreeing they need a recognised centre-forward to turn control into points.

He said coach Gian Piero Gasperini lacked a reference point in the draw with Juventus, and Roma suffered by forcing play through the middle.

On potential reinforcements, Capello said Joshua Zirkzee appeals because he can play with his back to goal, while Giacomo Raspadori is “not a centre-forward”.

Napoli, fresh from their Supercoppa Italiana success, were described as possessing “excellent players” and a “winning coach” in Antonio Conte.

With Romelu Lukaku and other injured players returning, Capello said the trophy could be a psychological turning point, capable of relaunching Napoli’s league push.

When each Scudetto title challenger is back in action

Juventus are first up out of all the Serie A title challengers after Christmas. They head to Pisa on Saturday, December 27.

Inter, Milan and Napoli all play on Sunday, December 28. Inter head to Atalanta, Milan host Verona and Napoli head to Cremonese.

Roma are then in action on Monday, December 29. They host Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico.