Fabio Capello branded Inter Milan “unrecognizable” following Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Napoli in Serie A.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInter1908, the 79-year-old strongly criticized Inter’s performance at the Maradona Stadium.
Despite having won three consecutive league games prior to this clash, Inter were once again stuck in a high-stakes game.
In fact, Antonio Conte’s side suffered Inter’s first Serie A defeat since Juventus’ controversial Derby d’Italia victory in September.
However, this match was not without its controversial moments.
Referee Maurizio Mariani gave the Partenopei a big help in the first half by awarding another “soft” penalty against Inter.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s spot-kick gave Napoli an unexpected victory.
However, it is worth noting that Inter were far from their best at Napoli.
Cristian Chivu’s side, despite leaving acres of space at the back, lacked their usual energy and flair in the final third.
As a result, they surrendered an impressive seven-game winning streak in all competitions.
Fabio Capello gives verdict on Napoli 3-1 Inter Milan defeat
“Napoli vs. Inter was a mirror of this season, where everything changes very quickly,” Capello said. “When the final whistle rang, it felt like the tables had turned.
“Napoli resembled the Inter we saw until yesterday, a compact, determined and ruthless team that hadn’t rested since mid-September.
“Inter looked like the Napoli of Turin and Eindhoven: a weak, disorganized team struggling with its identity.”
He also commented on Maurizio Mariani’s controversial penalty decision.
“It’s true that there was a penalty that didn’t exist, but it was De Bruyne’s spot-kick that opened the scoring.
“It changed the balance of the game. It is equally true that this is no excuse for the Nerazzurri.
“Beyond that proud moment in the first half when Bastoni hit the crossbar and Dumfries hit the post, Inter were unrecognizable.
“Every time we lost the ball, there was more room for Napoli to counterattack. What surprised me the most was the lack of balance between the lines.
“That balance was the strength that helped Lautaro and his teammates win seven consecutive league and Champions League games.
“Perhaps the win against Saint Giroise in Europe pushed Inter into overdrive. In football, overconfidence can play some nasty tricks.”
Fabio Capello helps Inter Milan bounce back
“In hindsight, Kivu may have sensed something in the last few days,” Capello added.
“The decision to give the players a day off between the trips to Brussels and Napoli was probably to clear their minds.
“On the pitch we often saw Inter in disarray, but this time the substitutions did more harm than good.
“Instead of looking for depth with speed, we held onto the ball too much with our substitutions off the bench.
“Failure is part of the journey and nothing is irretrievably lost.
“The Nerazzurri have all the tools to bounce back quickly.
“They understand the need to contribute more and we cannot go far without the unity of purpose that has driven our work so far.
“Yesterday’s game entertained us with goals, penalties, controversy and high tension, so it was a positive for the league.
“But above all, a strong message left Napoli for the rest of the season.
“This Scudetto race is more open and thrilling than ever before, and what follows will be a spectacle.”
