Fabio Capello gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport in which he spoke about Milan-Napoli, specifically the duel between Massimiliano Allegri and Antonio Conte, whom the veteran coach called “the two best managers in Italy today.”
"I will be at the stadium. I am curious to see if Napoli will manage to keep up a high tempo, which has not always happened in the early stages. Milan also seems to be in good shape."
Capello on Allegri’s Milan:
“Rabiot is the player who has impressed me the most in these first rounds: fierce, determined, decisive. I have seen him even better than he was at Juventus. With a Rabiot like this, everything is easier, even for a master like Modric.”
Capello continued:
"On one side, Allegri has brought balance, because now when the Rossoneri lose the ball, the team no longer looks split, leaving the field open to counterattacks. Not by chance, in five out of six matches this season, they have not conceded. On the other side, he has quality players capable of possession both horizontally and vertically, both conservatively, when he wants to control the game, and offensively, if there is a need and chance to hurt the opponent.”
On Rafael Leao’s absence:
"I read that he should be on the bench Sunday evening, then come on during the game. We will see in what condition. A focused Leao with desire makes a difference: Allegri and all his teammates must involve him, otherwise the opposite effect can happen."
Massimiliano Allegri versus Antonio Conte: strengths and differences:
“Max against Antonio, the two best managers in Italy today: it will be a super match. Allegri has won more league titles than anyone in the current Serie A, while Conte has also managed to win the Premier League. I was always taught that the best win, so…”
On strengths:
"Having clear ideas. Both Conte and Allegri always have their teams under control, even without fixed formations. Both know how to be flexible, adapt to the players available, without tactical dogmas. They are exceptional at organizing and recognizing players, even when they need to negotiate for new signings in the market."
On differences, Capello said:
"The way they communicate externally. Both have strong personalities and are always very direct, but Max is more corporate and composed, while Antonio tends to complain more, even pointing fingers at the club."
