Capello: ‘Inter superior, but Milan Derby depends on how Leao wakes up’ | OneFootball

Fabio Capello has given his predictions ahead of the Derby della Madonnina, noting Inter are ‘superior’ to AC Milan, but so much depends on ‘how Rafael Leao wakes up in the morning.’

It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT.

While they are very close together at the top of the Serie A table going into this weekend, it could be a decisive result in the Scudetto race and beyond.

Capello predicts tough Derby della Madonnina

Fabio Capello (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)

Sky Sport Italia spoke to former Milan coach Capello, who experienced this match several times.

“They were all special, the derby is a special game for what it means to the city and throughout Italy, as there are many Inter and Milan fans spread all over the country,” said the pundit.

What is a coach meant to say to the players in order to motivate them ahead of a test this big?

“You mustn’t talk too much, because there is already such hunger for a result, you risk doing damage. The tension stays with you throughout the week, and even those who went on international duty will have thought about the derby.”

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Lautaro Martinez of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Max Allegri was on the Rossoneri bench for the derby in his first stint, but this’ll be his return after more than a decade away.

“Allegri had incredible campaigns at Milan and I think he is the right man to cause problems for Inter, who at this moment I believe are the superior team,” continued Capello.

“He must make his players want to prove they are stronger. I am curious about the return of Christian Pulisic, because he’s been out injured for a while and that can be a factor. He can cause problems along with Leao on the counter-attack.”

PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Rafael Leao is the star of the Milan squad, though his inconsistency is a regular issue for every coach who works with him.

“It all depends on how Rafael Leao wakes up in the morning. He is a unique player, he can create something out of nothing, but also infuriate you.

“You’ve just got to accept him as he is, you just don’t know what you’re getting, it’s like flipping a coin,” concluded Capello.