Capello: Vlahovic’s attitude proves one thing at Juventus as Inter duo disappointing | OneFootball

Fabio Capello believes that the upcoming Derby d’Italia presents a greater challenge for Juventus than Inter, but the Nerazzurri require a revival of ‘team spirit’, which was lost following their 2025 Champions League Final defeat.

Inter and Juventus will meet at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday, September 13.

Former Bianconeri boss Capello previewed the game in his column for Gazzetta dello Sport.

Inter have one victory and one defeat so far in Serie A, while the Bianconeri have collected two consecutive wins. Nevertheless, Capello feels that the Allianz Stadium showdown presents a greater challenge for Igor Tudor’s men.

Capello: Juventus have excellent ‘team spirit’

GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

“Above all, for the Old Lady, because this is a test to understand whether the Bianconeri can truly fight for the Scudetto. The team is now fairly well-oiled, even if there are some new arrivals,” wrote Capello.

“Dusan Vlahovic is pushing to play, but even when he comes on during the match, he manages to do his part with great will and determination. His case is proof that within Juventus, there is an excellent team spirit.”

Oddly, Vlahovic is currently the best Juventus scorer with two goals in the opening two games. The Serbia international has made two substitute appearances this term and is expected to leave at the end of his contract in June 2026.

New Inter signing Manuel Akanji is expected to start for the Nerazzurri, but Capello feels that Inter’s issues do not lie in defence.

Capello disappointed by Barella and Calhanoglu

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Nicolò Barella of Italy in action challenges for the ball with Rauno Sappinen of Estonia during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

“With him [Akanji], Inter have managed to strengthen a team that was already doing very well at the back,” wrote the ex-England coach.

“However, the most important thing for the Nerazzurri is to regain the right spirit in midfield, especially with Calhanoglu. On Sunday, I watched him closely in the match that Turkey played against Spain in the World Cup qualifiers. He is a player who needs to be recovered in terms of mentality, spirit and speed of play.

“Even Nicolò Barella didn’t seem the decisive man we admired in Milan during the international break with Italy. If they both need to be recovered mentally, then, on a collective level, the team spirit needs to be found again, with a determination that I think was lost with the famous Champions League Final defeat in May. I believe Chivu will have work to do on this aspect.”