Fabio Capello has praised Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu for turning around the team’s fortunes after last season’s heartbreak.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInter1908, Capello also mentioned Francesco Pio Esposito’s rapid rise to stardom.
It’s a new dawn at San Siro.
Cristian Chivu, who replaced Simone Inzaghi in the dugout over the summer, is ushering in a new era.
Moreover, the 44-year-old took over a team that had lost confidence following a heavy defeat in the Champions League final.
However, the Romanian tactician helped the Nerazzurri bounce back from a spell of bad weather towards the end of last season.
Additionally, he changed the team’s approach on the field, making Inter’s attack look more aggressive and dangerous.
He therefore quickly became recognized for his excellent work at Giuseppe Meazza.
Indeed, Kivu has won praise for his tactical acumen, despite his lack of senior management experience.
Fabio Capello compares Chivu and Gasperini
Inter will face Roma this Saturday with Gian Piero Gasperini sitting in the other dugout.
“Each of the two managers interprets pressing in his own way,” admitted Fabio Capello. “Gasperini applies it all over the pitch.
“His man-to-man marking is his trademark, which has allowed him to have great success with Atalanta and now with Roma.
“Chivu is moving in a similar direction, but I would say it is not as extreme.
“His high pressing and immediate ball winnings allow his Inter to create an advantage in attack as soon as they get the ball back.
“But defensively, the risk for the team is reduced.
“But I think Gasp and Kivu are similar from another point of view, beyond their playing styles.
“Personality: Both can get into players’ heads very easily.”
Fabio Capello praises Inter Milan coach Chivu
“Gasp was on the bench his whole life,” Capello continued. “He had coached Chivu and joined Roma at the age of 67.
“Prior to his appointment as Inter manager, Chivu had experience with the Nerazzurri Primavera and played a few Serie A games against Parma.
“Many people thought that choosing Inter was a risky bet, but I didn’t think so.
“You know why? Because certain qualities don’t require a long apprenticeship. In that sense, I see myself as a Kivu.”
“Even I had only worked in the youth sector before I coached Milan, and before I knew it I was leading a group of champions who won everything.
“There are two basic concepts: first, tactical changes are fine, as long as the coach doesn’t force you, it’s the right thing to do to make your own mark.”
“A first-team dressing room has to be treated with great care, care and tactical intelligence, and Chivu is practicing that at Inter.
“He has fine-tuned things without turning things upside down. He has asked for simple things because you can’t suddenly ask players like Lautaro, Bastoni and Barella for the moon.
“Secondly, to work on the players’ mindset and convince them that Inter’s cycle is not over and that they still have a lot to give.
“It’s no coincidence that today’s Inter looks reborn.”
Capello talks about Chivu’s management skills and Pio Esposito
“I read Mkhitaryan’s words in Gazzetta,” Capello continued. “Discovering the line-up three hours before kick-off should not be liked or disliked, it should simply be accepted.
“This is a perfect example of a coach pushing the right buttons and getting the right reaction from his team.
“It’s called respect for work, and it seems to me that Inter in Kivu does not lack that.”
Meanwhile, Francesco Pio Esposito is making great strides in Italian football.
The teenage striker has become one of Europe’s hottest prospects under Chivu.
“Look, I’m not even going to finish the question, I’m going to get straight to the point,” Capello said firmly. “Pio Esposito is a national treasure and an asset that Inter must preserve.
“When you watch him play, it’s very clear.
“He sees the game, has great movement and has the qualities of a true centre-forward.
“Maybe he’s still a little too selfless, but there’s plenty of time to improve. And if he continues at this pace…”
“I’m sure he’ll start alongside Lautaro in Rome on Saturday.”
Lastly, he gave his predictions for the match.
“It’s beautiful, it’s exciting, the wingers make the difference. We have Soule on one side and Dimarco on the other,” Capello concluded.
