Football Italia
·24 December 2024
Football Italia
·24 December 2024
Former Juventus coach Fabio Capello blames Dusan Vlahovic for his reaction to being subbed off against Monza and admits he expected something ‘different’ from the Old Lady.
Juventus returned to winning ways on Sunday when they beat Monza 2-1 at the U-Power Stadium.
Vlahovic didn’t score or assist and was visibly irritable when he was subbed off at minute 85.
“I hope he was angry with himself and not Motta,” Capello told Gazzetta on Tuesday.
Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic jubilates after scoring during the Italian Serie A soccer match Juventus FC vs Venezia FC at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy, 14 December 2024. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO
“I don’t understand such behaviour. It shows a lack of respect for the coach and the teammate who entered the pitch. Dusan was probably irritable about not scoring, but it’s not okay.
“Juventus won in Monza but were not entirely convincing,” the ex-Bianconeri boss continued.
“A good first half. Koopmeiners did well in central midfield, but they just focused on defending in the final 25 minutes, tracking back inside their box. I expected something different.”
The Bianconeri remain unbeaten in Serie A, but they are still nine points below leaders Atalanta. Inter and Napoli are the closest teams to the top spot and all won in the latest round.
“Napoli suffered against Genoa, but all the top teams winning in the latest round struggled,” Capello admitted.
“Even Atalanta against Empoli. Napoli’s first half was excellent, but Meret was decisive in the second half. It’s an important signal anyway because victories in these games unite the group.
“Inter weren’t as sharp as usual, but they deserved to win. Even if Lautaro continues not scoring, Inzaghi remains the favourite for the Scudetto.
“Inter are no longer a surprise, but Empoli made them struggle with their pressing. The Tuscans suffocated La Dea’s attacks, so congratulations to D’Aversa for the great performance.”
The next Serie A round is over the weekend when Juventus will host Fiorentina at the Allianz Stadium, and Roma will visit Paulo Fonseca’s Milan at San Siro.
The new year will begin with the Rome derby on January 5 and the Supercoppa Italiana in Ryiadh, involving Inter, Milan, Atalanta and Juventus.
Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, December 24, 2024, page 17