Capello on Inter-Shakhtar: Bastoni's choice and Calhanoglu's performance

A few minutes before the kick-off of Inter–Shakhtar, Capello analyzed the match from the Sky Sport studios, starting from the defensive choice of the Nerazzurri. “Bastoni as center back? Nice and courageous choice, I must say. They are playing against a team that has quality, has many Brazilians, technically they are good. Both Bastoni and Carlos Augusto when they have to mark man-to-man are not at their best, they are much better when they have to push forward because they have quality. Defensively, they leave something to be desired. The important thing will be the midfield, which must act as a filter and help them.”

Regarding the overall performance of the team, the former coach highlighted an inconsistency in performance that he considers recurring. “Inter has moments when it falls asleep a bit, enjoys itself, is convinced it is good, and does not play with the required intensity. We want the best from Inter, we want Inter to be dominant. We are surprised that there are negative moments.”

Capello then turned his attention to Calhanoglu, whom he judged still far from his best condition. “He is still off pace, he has not yet found the right rhythm, he still has some flashes but not with the consistency and ease of last year.” An assessment that fits into a broader picture regarding the difference in context between the two competitive fronts.

“In the league they have the chance to recover because they are stronger, when they play as Inter they are the team that can beat anyone. In the Champions League the level is higher, the rhythm and quality of the opposing teams is clearly superior.”