Fabio Capello, the former Juventus coach, is aware of Massimiliano Allegri’s defensive strategies: “Manchester City played Inter for 25 minutes doing the same thing.”
Sunday’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Florence came from Juventus, who managed just 30% of the ball possession and only managed one goal with three shots on goal. Although Allegri has received criticism for his defensive style of play, Capello has an alternative viewpoint on the matter.
“Juventus demonstrated in Florence a strong sense of unity, solidarity, and mutual aid. The former coach of Juventus, Milan, and England told Gazzetta that Fiorentina attempted to attack but were unable to create enough space because they might not have had an unexpected player up front.
“Juventus played outstanding defense and maximized the abilities of their players. Manchester City enjoys using a large attacking lineup, but they can also play deeper defense when necessary. They played Inter in the Champions League Final, and they did the same thing for 25 minutes.
“To do so, you need the right players,” Capello went on.
“Despite their lack of flexibility, Ragani and Gatti give it their all inside the box and, in fact, win every aerial duel with Bremer.”
With two games remaining in the international break, Juventus and Inter will square off at the Allianz Stadium on November 26. Juventus now sits second in the Serie A standings.
Juventus sit second in the Serie A table, two below Inter, who they will meet at the Allianz Stadium on November 26 after the international break.
“Allegri is snubbed and criticized because he doesn’t follow the gospel, but there is not just one religion in football,” added Capello.
“I used to change my style depending on the characteristics of my players and the countries where I was working because each place has a footballing DNA. Any coach would like to attack for 90 minutes, but then they have to consider opponents and the characteristics of their team.”
Juventus and Inter have the less-beaten defenses in the league, with just six goals conceded each, but the Bianconeri have kept six consecutive clean sheets in Serie A.
“Not conceding goals is a strength, the starting base,” argued Capello.
“The difference between Inter and Juventus is that the Nerazzurri have more quality, so they score more goals. They are on a different level.
“Calhanoglu can put the ball wherever he wants, like Dimarco. Then they have Mkhitaryan, Barella, and Frattesi, just to name some. Allegri has normal players in midfield. He no longer has Pjanic, Pogba, or Dybala. He lacks creativity, so he must rely on counter-attacks.”
Juventus will host Cagliari at the Allianz Stadium this coming Saturday in the last game before the November international break. Inter, on the other hand, will meet Frosinone at the Stadio Meazza.
Tonight, the Nerazzurri visit RB Salzburg in a Champions League group-stage game at the Red Bull Arena.
