In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello spoke about Roma under Gasperini. He believes the current side are Inter’s main rivals in the title race, analysing their style of play, squad depth and mental fortitude, whilst also stating frankly that this Roma side reminds him of the team that won the Serie A title in 2001.
Why is Roma particularly threatening to Inter Milan?
Capello: "Roma engages in one-on-one duels throughout the game, and more importantly, they play a very proactive and aggressive style, with everyone helping each other. When you have four or five quality players in the opponent's penalty area, and they can combine effectively in tight spaces, you're bound to create opportunities sooner or later. Against Atalanta, they ultimately scored the winning goal."
What are Roma's main advantages in competing with Inter Milan? Is it the team's hunger, having two first-class players in each position, or their consistent use of the flanks to attack?
Capello: "All of these factors. Also, Gasperini wants two first-class players in each position, and he's right to do so. The effect of the substitutions in the second half at the Stadio Olimpico last Saturday demonstrated that."
The league is certainly important, but Roma will also begin their Champions League campaign on Thursday against Fenerbahce in Turkey. Will we see them fall short of other teams in terms of physical fitness in European competitions?
Capello: "In my opinion, the referees officiated very well in the first three league matches, with few interruptions that could disrupt the flow of the game. I think Roma will maintain the same momentum in Istanbul."
Speaking of Gasperini, is Capello truly a coach who 'never falls'? How much credit should he take for Roma's ability to consistently play this proactive style of football and currently sit atop the table?
Capello: "He instills a spirit of sacrifice in the players, and that's very important. He and sporting director Massara have been building this team since last season, and Massara deserves the same recognition. The players are willing to follow Gasperini because he's a coach they can trust."
The most obvious sign is the strong desire shown by the substitutes. This is a very clear signal.
Capello: "Everyone plays with the same desire to win because they understand they are competitive. So far, I haven't seen any Roma player come off the bench and show any sign of feeling aggrieved because they only get to play during the game."
Malen and Castro, Dybala and Sule, and Mora, and further back, Pellegrini. These are options both in the league and in the Champions League…
Capello: "They are all talented players, and they mesh very well together. Gasperini's continued rotation will also help them perform at their best. Everyone plays with a strong determination."
How much do you admire Wesley? He can be considered the engine of this team on the wings in some ways.
Capello: "He is a very good player. So far, he has been dominant in the league, and opponents have had a hard time containing him. But now I'm curious to see how he performs in the Champions League. It will be a test of his ability and maturity."
Dybala and Mora both started against Atalanta, and the two were somewhat like teacher and student. How would you evaluate them?
Capello: "As long as Dybala is physically fit, you can't do without him. Mora is proving that he has both technical ability and the ability to deliver results. But I also want to emphasize the importance of Sule. Even if he only plays 20 minutes in the second half, he's a player who can change the game, like against Atalanta."
Overall, do you see any similarities between this Roma team and your old Serie A champion Roma team?
Capello: "There are many similarities. In my first year at Roma, we already realized we were strong, and then we further strengthened the team by bringing in Batistuta..."
You and Gasperini seem to have proven one point: to coach well in a complex environment like Roma, you might indeed need a coach from northern Italy who can be more detached. Do you agree with this statement?
Capello: "I've always believed that to win, you first need good enough players. However, in Roma, it's easy to go from extreme excitement to extreme depression. So maintaining balance is crucial, and a bit of composure is also necessary. Perhaps some people think that Gasperini and I share these traits..."
Looking ahead to the winter transfer window, do you think Roma needs to strengthen their left flank by signing a player with a reverse-footing style, or is their current squad already good enough?
Capello: "If it's just about signing for the sake of signing, then it's unnecessary. If we're really going to bring in players, it has to be someone who can truly make an impact and leave their mark."