Ex AC Milan & England Head Coach Praises Italy Starlet & Gives Selection Verdict For Inter Milan Derby Defence | OneFootball

Fabio Capello has seen more than enough Milan derbies to know their weight, and the former AC Milan and England coach offered a detailed breakdown on Sky Sport ahead of Sunday’s clash.

Capello described the Derby della Madonnina as “the most difficult match to play”, explaining that the pressure around the city makes it unlike any other fixture.

“You don’t need to talk too much to the players, the motivation is already sky-high and you risk doing damage,” he noted, via FCInterNews.

Capello believes Massimiliano Allegri has already brought structure back to Milan, pointing to the return of Adrien Rabiot as a decisive element.

“Rabiot can restore balance to a team that would otherwise suffer against Inter’s wide quality,” he said, while also highlighting the threat of Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic in transition.

Inter Vs Milan – Capello Backs Chivu & Esposito In Derby

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Francesco Pio Esposito of Internazionale reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Turning attention to Cristian Chivu’s first derby as Inter coach, Capello expressed longstanding admiration.

“He has charisma, seriousness and intelligence. He can guide Inter well,” he said.

And when asked to choose between Francesco Acerbi and Yann Bisseck for the centre of defence, his verdict was clear: “I prefer Acerbi. He’s the only one with that level of intelligence and personality.”

Capello reserved special praise for Francesco Pio Esposito, calling the Inter starlet “a player with a great future” and praising his movement and vision.

While acknowledging the youngster still needs to sharpen his instincts in front of goal, he added that Chivu faces “a real dilemma” over whether to start him after his goal for Italy.

With five substitutions available, Capello expects to see him feature in some capacity.

The former Milan boss also highlighted Inter’s attacking depth, calling it a rare luxury. “All of Inter’s forwards move in sync.

It’s a beautiful problem for Chivu to have,” he said, the kind of problem every coach would like before a derby.