Fabio Capello, the renowned former manager of clubs like Real Madrid, Milan, Roma, and Juventus, shared his forthright views in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (as quoted by Calciomercato) following Juventus’ draw against Lazio-a match that has left the Bianconeri’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
Champions League Qualification: “Juventus Must Pray to Saint Gasperini”
Capello did not mince words about the precarious position Juventus now finds itself in regarding Champions League qualification. “Now Juventus must pray to Saint Gasperini to qualify for the Champions League,” he stated, referencing Atalanta’s coach Gian Piero Gasperini as a potential savior for Juve’s European ambitions. Capello pointed out that Tudor’s Juventus no longer controls its own destiny and now faces serious risk. “If Ranieri delivers the blow in Bergamo, he becomes fourth alone with two games left. It’s a pity for Juventus, who pay for Kalulu’s naivety,” Capello remarked.
The Turning Point: Kalulu’s Red Card
Capello was clear in his assessment of the match’s turning point. “Yes, the match was ruined by Kalulu’s sending off. Juventus started with conviction and had created several dangers for Lazio. The Bianconeri pay for Kalulu’s stupid act. But now players throw themselves to the ground and hope for VAR, which unfortunately often rewards them. In England, they wouldn’t have even considered this episode. The Frenchman’s red card changed the game, and in the end, Lazio’s siege was rewarded with Vecino’s equalizer in the 96th minute.”
On Kalulu: “He Knows He Made a Stupid Mistake”
Asked what he would say to Kalulu after the costly red card, Capello responded with empathy but also frankness. “What can you say to Kalulu… He knows himself that he made a stupid mistake. Without that foolishness, I think Juventus would have won. I liked Tudor’s team up to that point.”
Substitutions: “Sensible Changes, Nothing Strange”
Capello also gave his verdict on Tudor’s substitutions, particularly the introductions of Adzic and Conceicao. “No, I found them to be sensible changes, nothing strange. It was right to bring on Gatti at the end to defend the area and use his height. The fact that he was then involved in the equalizer is another matter, but I found the choice correct. Moreover, at the end of the match, I heard Tudor apologize to Adzic and Conceicao.”
Juventus’ Struggles and the Weight of the Shirt
Capello’s analysis goes beyond tactics and individual errors. He has previously highlighted a deeper issue at Juventus: a lack of attachment to the club’s traditions and shirt. “At Milan and Juventus, there is no club behind them, there are managers who don’t have clear ideas. There is no thought, there is no unity: the most important choice is the players, if you can’t choose those who can wear the Milan or Juventus shirt, it means that you are not able to evaluate on a personal level before a technical one. The importance of a strong management? It is essential to understand the circumstances, the fans want to see a certain attachment to the shirt. Things that have not been seen at both Juve and Milan.”
