Capello hails Milan defenders Tomori and Pavlovic as ‘untouchable’ | OneFootball

Fabio Capello believes Milan’s defensive strength depends more on their midfield than the back line itself, highlighting Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modrić as the keys to maintaining balance ahead of the Derby della Madonnina.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, with quotes via MilanNews, the former Milan coach praised the progress of Strahinja Pavlović, naming him alongside Fikayo Tomori as one of the “two untouchables” in the Rossoneri’s defence.

ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Mike Maignan celebrates victory with teammates Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlovic after the Serie A match at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 02, 2025 in  Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Pavlovic has grown into his role under new head coach Massimiliano Allegri and even scored in the narrow victory over Roma. Tomori, meanwhile, has faced criticism this season but remains a valuable part of the Rossoneri side.

Capello praises ‘untouchables’ Tomori & Pavlovic at Milan

“It’s a good defensive unit,” Capello said, “but it needs a solid filter in front of it. The real strength of Milan’s defence is the midfield – Modrić and Rabiot are two great filters. They both have quality, and Rabiot adds physical power.”

Capello also urged Milan to show faith in young defender Davide Bartesaghi, though he noted that the team still has issues “with concentration on crosses” and “some problems down the left-hand side.”

PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Davide Bartesaghi and teammate Alexis Saelemaekers react after the Serie A match at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

When comparing the two sides, Capello admitted Inter currently hold the edge: “For synchronisation, Inter are ahead. Their three defenders are all better with the ball at their feet than Milan’s.”

After the international break, the Rossoneri enter a crunch period of fixtures.

Their first game after club football resumes is at San Siro against fierce local rivals Inter. Six days later, the Rossoneri host Lazio before a trip to the same club in Coppa Italia the week after.

Finally, the year is rounded off with a trip to Torino, and home matches against Sassuolo and Verona, as well as the Supercoppa Italiana.