Capello: ‘Bernardo Silva would have same Juventus impact as Pirlo’ | OneFootball

Fabio Capello advises Juventus and Milan on who to sign for the Scudetto in 2026-27. ‘Bernardo Silva from Manchester City can have the same impact as Andrea Pirlo, while Kim Min-jae would work for either.’

As the two clubs prepare to face off in a battle for the top four this weekend, La Gazzetta dello Sport spoke to a coach who won the title in both Turin and Milan.

While Inter have the Scudetto locked down for this season, sitting 12 points clear at the top, the focus is already on next term.

Capello high praise for Bernardo Silva

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 20: Fabio Capello attends the Sporting Mixed Zone ahead of Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Palacio De Cibeles on April 20, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Laureus)

“I think Juventus are better placed to challenge for next year,” assured Capello.

“Luciano Spalletti has more players who are in their prime, he is ending the season with momentum, and the contract extensions for the coach, Kenan Yildiz, Weston McKennie and Manuel Locatelli prove the club has clear ideas.

“Extending the contracts of the key figures also gives a sense of reassurance, avoiding disturbing transfer rumours.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 08: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 08, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

That is not the case at Max Allegri’s Milan, where everyone from the coach to Rafael Leao and even Luka Modric are not sure whether they will remain.

“Modric carried Milan for so much of this season, but if he was to stay, could he confirm this kind of form at age 41?”

Capello has some specific advice for both clubs, and particularly sees one free agent who would flourish at Juventus after his Manchester City contract runs down.

“I always said you don’t need five or six new signings, just two or three that are of a high level. I’d go for Bernardo Silva at Juventus, because he is always in the right place at the right time, and at age 31 can still make the difference in Serie A.

“Bernardo Silva’s arrival could have the same impact that Pirlo had at Antonio Conte’s Juventus.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at Etihad Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Bernardo Silva will be a free agent at the end of the season, as it is confirmed he will not extend his Manchester City contract beyond June 30.

Juve are one of the hot favourites to pick up the Portugal international.

When it comes to strengthening the defence, Capello feels both should go for the same man at Bayern Munich.

“Kim from Bayern would work really well alongside Bremer at Juve, while I’d see him fit at Milan too.”

The focus for the Rossoneri is on finding a centre-forward who can fit Allegri’s football, looking at Dusan Vlahovic and Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.

“I’d be wary of Lewandowski, because you don’t lose your nose for goal at age 37-38, but you do lose power and the ability to track back. Vlahovic has less technique, but more prospects going forward. With Lewandowski, you win,” added Capello.

“Vlahovic would be a perfect centre-forward for Allegri. I’d also see Leon Goretzka do well in their midfield, but we need to see what they can afford on the market.”