Fabio Capello believes Inter Milan have established themselves as the team to beat in Serie A this season, with the former AC Milan, Juventus and AS Roma manager impressed by the Nerazzurri’s squad depth and recent recruitment.
According to Capello, Inter have strengthened an already competitive squad by addressing one of the areas that previously lacked a certain physical presence. The arrival of Jones is viewed by the experienced Italian coach as an important addition that could provide greater balance and character in midfield.
While Inter have received Capello’s strongest backing, the former manager also assessed the chances of several other Serie A heavyweights, including Roma, Napoli, Juventus and AC Milan.
Capello considers Roma one of the teams best prepared for the new campaign, largely because they have maintained continuity and avoided making too many changes to their squad. Napoli are also expected to remain competitive, although Capello believes their success will depend partly on how quickly the players adapt to Massimiliano Allegri’s demands.
As for Juventus and AC Milan, Capello believes the Europa League could become their main opportunity to secure major silverware. He even went as far as predicting a potential all-Italian final if both clubs receive a favorable draw and successfully navigate the competition.
Capello Praises Inter Milan’s Squad Depth
For Capello, Inter have done an excellent job of completing their squad during the transfer window.
The former Italy manager believes Jones has brought something that Inter previously lacked in midfield: greater physical strength combined with personality and presence.
That additional physicality could prove valuable over the course of a long Serie A campaign, particularly when Inter have to deal with intense matches against the league’s strongest opponents as well as European competition.
Capello also highlighted the depth available to head coach Chivu. Players such as Zielinski, Sucic and Stankovic could become increasingly important as the season progresses, particularly when injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion begin to test the squad.
“Was Jones the player Inter needed to complete their squad? I would say yes. Inter were missing something in midfield, particularly physical presence. Jones brings physical strength and personality. On paper, everything fits. The club have strengthened the team well, and this signing is an ideal finishing touch,” Capello said.
The Italian coach believes Inter now have enough quality in several areas to compete seriously across every competition.
“Inter must convince themselves that they can challenge on every front. Zielinski, Sucic and Stankovic will all be useful throughout the season. Chivu has excellent squad depth, and that is not limited to just one area,” he added.
Inter Milan Viewed as the Team to Beat in Serie A
Capello’s assessment of the Serie A title race is particularly strong. He believes Inter currently have no obvious rival on paper and should enter the season as the leading contender.
However, the experienced coach also issued a warning to the Nerazzurri. According to Capello, their biggest challenge could come from maintaining concentration in matches against opponents who appear weaker on paper.
Serie A title races are often decided by consistency rather than just results against direct competitors. Dropping points against supposedly easier opponents can quickly undermine the advantage of a strong squad.
“Inter should have no rivals on paper. They simply need to make sure they do not lose focus in matches that are theoretically easier,” Capello explained.
The former manager believes Roma could be one of Inter’s closest challengers because of their squad continuity.
“Behind Inter, the team that appears best prepared, also because they have not changed anything, is Roma. Napoli are at the same level as Roma, but we need to understand how well that group will adapt to Allegri’s demands,” Capello said.
He also refused to completely dismiss Juventus.
“Juventus are working well. Over time, we will see whether they become a team that needs to be considered as a serious opponent, but they cannot be ruled out immediately,” he added.
Roma and Napoli Could Challenge the Top Teams
Although Inter remain Capello’s clear favorite, he believes the battle behind them could be highly competitive.
Roma’s continuity could give them an advantage at the beginning of the campaign. With fewer changes to their squad, their players should already understand the tactical structure and expectations of the coaching staff.
Napoli, meanwhile, have the quality to challenge near the top of the table but face a different kind of challenge. The appointment of Massimiliano Allegri means the squad must adapt to a new tactical approach and potentially different demands in terms of defensive organization and game management.
If Napoli can make that transition quickly, Capello believes they could emerge as one of the teams capable of putting pressure on Inter.
Juventus are another club Capello is watching closely. The Turin giants have made progress with their squad-building project, but Capello believes they still need time before they can be considered a genuine favorite for the Scudetto.
AC Milan and Juventus Given Major Europa League Target
Capello also discussed the prospects of AC Milan and Juventus in European competition.
Rather than focusing solely on the Serie A title race, the Italian coach believes both clubs should set their sights high in the Europa League.
For AC Milan, the competition represents an opportunity to make a statement under a new project. The Rossoneri have been working to establish a new direction, and Capello believes the club’s eventual success will depend heavily on how well the coaching staff can build confidence and mentality within the squad.
Juventus, meanwhile, also have enough quality to make a deep run in the competition. Capello expects both Italian giants to treat the Europa League as a major priority.
“I expect big things from Juventus and AC Milan in the Europa League. In fact, I would go even further: I would expect an all-Italian final if the draw allows it,” Capello said.
The possibility of an Italian final would provide another opportunity for Serie A clubs to demonstrate their strength on the European stage.
Capello Wants Juventus and Milan to Target the Trophy
Capello believes the Europa League should not simply be viewed as a secondary competition for Juventus and AC Milan.
Instead, he expects both clubs to make winning the trophy one of their primary objectives for the season.
“Their main target this year should be that trophy,” Capello concluded.
His comments underline the contrasting expectations surrounding Italy’s biggest clubs. While Inter are considered the strongest contender for domestic success, Juventus and AC Milan have an opportunity to make their mark in Europe.
For Inter, the message is equally clear: the quality of their squad has placed them in a position where anything less than a serious challenge for major trophies could be considered disappointing.
With Jones adding physicality and personality to an already deep midfield, and players such as Zielinski, Sucic and Stankovic providing additional options, Inter appear well-equipped to handle the demands of a long season.
Capello’s verdict has therefore put significant pressure on the Nerazzurri. He believes there is no obvious team capable of matching Inter on paper, but the club must prove that superiority consistently on the pitch.
The Serie A season could still produce surprises, with Roma, Napoli and Juventus all capable of challenging at various stages. Nevertheless, if Inter maintain their focus and make full use of their squad depth, Capello believes the Nerazzurri have the strongest foundation to dominate the Italian top flight this season.
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