Napoli 3-1 Inter Milan – Famous Ex AC Milan, Juventus & Roma Coach Reviews Nerazzurri Performance: “Unrecognizable” | OneFootball

Fabio Capello deemed Inter Milan ‘unrecognizable’ during Saturday’s underwhelming 3-1 Serie A defeat to Napoli.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInter1908, the 79-year-old voiced strong criticism of Inter’s performance at the Maradona Stadium.

Despite winning three consecutive league games ahead of this showdown, Inter stuttered in another high-stakes clash.

Indeed, Antonio Conte’s side inflicted Inter’s first Serie A loss since Juventus’ controversial Derby d’Italia win in September.

However, this match didn’t lack controversial moments either.

Referee Maurizio Mariani gave the Partenopei a huge helping hand in the first half, granting another ‘soft’ penalty against Inter.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan conceded the spot-kick that set the tone for Napoli’s unexpected win.

Yet, it’s worth noting that Inter were far from their best in Naples.

Cristian Chivu’s men lacked their usual energy and flair in the final third while leaving acres of space at the back.

As a result, they relinquished an impressive seven-game winning streak in all competitions.

Fabio Capello Delivers Verdict on Napoli 3-1 Inter Milan Loss

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – MAY 23: Laureus Ambassador Fabio Capello attend the Laureus European Summit on May 23, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Patrik Lundin/Getty Images for Laureus)

“Napoli-Inter was a mirror of this season, where everything changes very, very quickly,” Capello said. “At the final whistle, I had the impression that the roles had reversed.

“Napoli looked like the Inter we had seen until yesterday, a compact, determined, and ruthless team that hadn’t missed a beat since mid-September.

“Inter looked like the Napoli of Turin and Eindhoven, a disorganized, vulnerable team struggling with its identity.”

Then, he commented on Maurizio Mariani’s controversial penalty decision.

“While it’s true that a non-existent penalty, De Bruyne’s spot-kick that opened the scoring.

“It shifted the balance of the match; it’s equally true that this cannot serve as an excuse for the Nerazzurri.

“Beyond the moment of pride that led to Bastoni hitting the crossbar and Dumfries the post in the first half, Inter was unrecognizable.

“Every lost ball opened up acres for Napoli’s counterattacks. What surprised me most was the lack of balance between the lines.

“That balance had been the strength that helped Lautaro and his teammates string together seven consecutive wins in the league and Champions League.

“Perhaps the win against Saint-Gilloise in Europe ended up over-boosting Inter; in football, overconfidence can play nasty tricks.”

Fabio Capello Backs Inter Milan to Bounce Back

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 20: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano attends a press conference ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 20, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

“In hindsight, I think Chivu may have sensed something in the past few days,” Capello added.

“The decision to give the players a day off between the Brussels and Naples trips was likely meant to clear their minds.

“On the pitch, I saw an often-disorganized Inter, and the substitutes this time did more harm than good.

“Instead of seeking depth with speed, the changes from the bench held onto the ball too much.

“Missteps are part of the journey, and nothing is irreparably lost.

“The Nerazzurri have all the tools to bounce back immediately.

“They understand the need to give more, and without the unity of purpose that has driven their run so far, they won’t go far.

“The league benefits because yesterday’s match entertained us with goals, penalties, controversies, and tense nerves.

“However, above all, because a strong message left Naples for the rest of the season.