Fabio Capello has shared his insights following the Champions League play-off draw, indicating that Inter faces the greatest ‘risk’ against Bodo/Glimt, and noting that Juventus’s match against Galatasaray is as ‘challenging’ as Atalanta’s encounter with Borussia Dortmund.
After the league phase wrapped up this week, three Italian teams qualified for the Champions League play-off round.
Inter ranked highest at 10th, with Juventus in 13th and Atalanta in 15th. Napoli, after losing 3-2 to Chelsea at home, ended up in 30th place and was eliminated.
In the recent draw, Inter will play Bodo/Glimt, Juventus faces Galatasaray, and Atalanta will clash with Borussia Dortmund in two-legged matches scheduled for February 17/18 and February 24/25.
Capello Highlights ‘Worst Case Scenario’ for Inter
Despite Capello’s belief that Inter has the least challenging opponents on paper, traveling to Bodo/Glimt’s artificial pitch presents significant challenges, as recently exposed by Manchester City.
“Their victory over Atletico Madrid is noteworthy, but the more important win was against Manchester City,” Capello mentioned in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Bodo tend to perform better against stronger teams.”
He added, “Playing on an artificial pitch is always tricky; the ball’s behavior and the balance change significantly. While the temperatures might improve, the cold shouldn’t be an excuse for a lapse in performance.”
Capello on Juventus and Galatasaray: ‘Intense Atmosphere’
Shifting focus to Juventus’s match in Istanbul against Galatasaray, Capello described, “The atmosphere there is electric. Galatasaray benefits from strong home support and discipline, which can transform their performance.”
He emphasized the importance of a solid first leg for Juventus, referencing familiar foes Osimhen and Icardi. He views the away match as particularly challenging due to the motivating influence of the atmosphere.
Despite Juventus missing the Champions League round of 16 for four consecutive years, Capello believes the pressure will motivate the players rather than intimidate them.
Capello’s Perspective on Atalanta and Dortmund: ‘Yellow Wall’s Impact’
Atalanta faces a formidable opponent in Borussia Dortmund. Capello remarked, “The tie isn’t straightforward. Dortmund will be eager for revenge after their defeat to Inter, and while Atalanta possesses a potent attack, defensive focus is crucial.”
He compared the intimidating Yellow Wall of Dortmund to that of Galatasaray, stating it’s not as dominating. When asked about which Italian side faces a tougher opponent, Capello pointed out that while Juventus’ first leg in Istanbul is complicated, Atalanta faces the more formidable opponent overall.
This paraphrased version encapsulates the original article’s main points while presenting the information in a clear and structured format.
