Three Experts Analyze Inter Milan: Capello Highlights the Biggest Challenge to Title Defense

Inter Milan has had a promising start to the season, with several positive developments giving fans reason to be optimistic. Tajon Buchanan’s surprisingly quick recovery from injury has fueled speculation that he could return as early as October, though the club is likely to proceed cautiously given the severity of his issue. Meanwhile, excitement is building around the Derby della Madonnina in Serie A’s fifth round, as ticket sales are projected to set a new club record, surpassing €7 million in revenue. However, the changing ticket pricing strategy under Oaktree Capital has sparked a debate over whether abandoning long-standing traditions is worth the financial gains.

In the midst of this, La Gazzetta dello Sport recently conducted interviews with Italian football luminaries Fabio Cannavaro, Fabio Capello, and Arrigo Sacchi. These discussions provided a comprehensive analysis of Inter’s title chances, Serie A’s overall quality, and the tactical adjustments necessary for Simone Inzaghi to navigate a grueling schedule successfully.

Cannavaro: Inter as the Strongest Title Contender

Fabio Cannavaro believes Inter Milan is the strongest candidate for the Serie A title. However, his observations extended beyond the Nerazzurri, painting a stark picture of the current state of Italian football. “After the European Championship, I already predicted that no Italian players would make the Ballon d’Or’s 30-man shortlist,” Cannavaro said. “Serie A lacks star players. Perhaps only Lautaro Martínez could find a spot in the starting lineup of a top team like Real Madrid or Manchester City.”

While his praise for Lautaro underscores the Argentine striker’s value, Cannavaro’s remarks highlight a troubling reality: Serie A is no longer a breeding ground for global superstars. The decline in individual quality raises concerns about the league’s ability to compete with Europe’s elite in the long term.

Sacchi: Mixed Feelings About Serie A’s Direction

Arrigo Sacchi, known for his passionate and polarizing views, had his usual blend of criticism and praise. On one hand, he expressed frustration with AC Milan’s recent performances, lamenting their inability to capitalize on potential. On the other, he lauded Juventus’ new manager Thiago Motta for implementing an exciting, attack-minded style of play.

Sacchi’s analysis of Inter, however, took a more critical tone. Despite their 4-0 thrashing of Atalanta, he accused the Nerazzurri of being overly defensive and insufficiently aggressive in their offensive approach. “They retreated too much and didn’t commit enough players forward,” Sacchi claimed, though his assessments often prioritize ideology over pragmatism.

Capello: Rotations Are the Key to Inter’s Success

Fabio Capello provided perhaps the most insightful critique, focusing on the challenges of squad management in a demanding season. “Inter is the favorite for the Scudetto,” he stated, “because they have the most well-prepared, balanced, and battle-tested tactical system in the league.” However, Capello also identified a critical weakness: Simone Inzaghi’s approach to squad rotation.

Last season, Inter’s rotation policy drew scrutiny, especially in the UEFA Champions League group stage, where wholesale changes in some matches were followed by a lack of rotation in others. Capello highlighted Inzaghi’s decision to rotate seven players in two separate matches during the group stage, arguing that a more balanced strategy—rotating two or three players per match—would have been more effective.

Capello emphasized the importance of gradual and consistent rotation to maintain the physical condition of key players across a packed schedule. “Rotation should be based on the players’ physical condition,” he explained. “In a congested calendar, it’s vital to give core players regular rest rather than overburdening them across consecutive matches.”

This point is particularly relevant given the advanced age of Inter’s starting lineup. In the first three rounds of Serie A this season, the team’s average starting age ranged from 30.1 to 31.0 years, making them the oldest starting XI in the league. Addressing this aging issue through smarter rotation could be essential for sustaining their competitiveness throughout the season.

Navigating a Grueling Schedule

Inter’s upcoming fixtures underscore the importance of squad management. Following the international break, the Nerazzurri face a punishing schedule: an away game against Monza on September 16, a Champions League showdown with Manchester City on September 19, and the Milan Derby on September 22. Such a demanding sequence of matches necessitates careful planning to avoid player burnout.

Reports suggest that Inzaghi is considering significant rotation for the Monza game, with players like Davide Frattesi, Mehdi Taremi, and Piotr Zieliński all eager to prove themselves. Zieliński, in particular, has yet to make an impact since joining the club and is reportedly frustrated by the lack of opportunities.

Other possible changes include swapping defenders Benjamin Pavard for Denzel Dumfries and Francesco Acerbi for Stefan de Vrij, as well as rotating Federico Dimarco and Carlos Augusto on the left flank. Even the goalkeeper position could see a change, with the second-choice keeper potentially getting a start.

While rotating heavily against Monza could preserve energy for the clashes against Manchester City and AC Milan, Capello’s warning looms large: over-rotation in one game followed by none in others is not a sustainable strategy.

Financial Strategy: A Double-Edged Sword

Off the pitch, Inter’s new ticketing policy has also sparked debate. During the UEFA Champions League semifinals against AC Milan, the club maintained affordable ticket prices in the lower sections, honoring a tradition dating back to the Moratti era. This approach, aimed at rewarding loyal fans, resulted in €6.6 million in revenue.

However, under Oaktree Capital’s leadership, the focus has shifted toward maximizing profits. For this season’s Derby della Madonnina, the club has significantly increased prices for lower-tier seats while making smaller adjustments to premium and VIP sections. The move is expected to generate a record-breaking €7 million in ticket sales, but it has raised questions about the long-term impact on fan loyalty.

Looking Ahead

As Inter Milan seeks to defend their Serie A title and make a deep run in Europe, the stakes are higher than ever. The pressure is on Simone Inzaghi to adapt his rotation strategy and manage an aging squad effectively, ensuring players remain fresh for key matches. At the same time, the club’s new financial approach reflects a broader shift in priorities, balancing tradition with the demands of modern football.

Capello’s insights, coupled with the perspectives of Cannavaro and Sacchi, provide a roadmap for Inter to navigate these challenges. Whether the Nerazzurri can capitalize on their potential and deliver silverware this season will depend on their ability to learn from past mistakes and embrace the complexities of a high-stakes campaign.