Capello was interviewed by "La Gazzetta dello Sport" to discuss Inter Milan's squad strength for the new season, the race for the Serie A title, and their Champions League prospects. Capello believes that after continuing to strengthen during the summer, Inter Milan's squad is now quite complete and holds a clear theoretical advantage in Serie A. However, in the Champions League, they will still need to adapt to a faster pace of play.

Is Curtis Jones the final piece Inter Milan needs to solidify their squad?
Capello said: "I believe so. The team was previously lacking something in midfield—they needed a player with enough physicality. Jones can bring athleticism and character. On paper, everything fits. The club has done excellent work in reinforcing the squad, and this signing could be the ideal final piece. Of course, we'll need to wait until he truly integrates into the team before making a comprehensive assessment, but the current feeling is positive."
Inter Milan's midfield now has plenty of options.
Capello said: "Yes, it's a very complete and strong position. Zielinski, Sučić, and Stanković will all play important roles this season. Chivu has abundant personnel choices, and not just in midfield. Inter Milan must believe they have the ability to compete for titles in all competitions."
Inter Milan has chosen to strengthen with three English players. Does bringing players from the Premier League guarantee an immediate improvement in the team's strength?
Capello said: "Theoretically yes, but we always need to provide answers on the pitch, especially to see if these players can successfully integrate into the team. New signings must understand how the team operates and also know what their teammates need. Midfielders typically adapt more easily, so I think Jones will perform well.
As for Stones, his characteristics are quite particular. He's better at helping the team organize attacks than defending. It's no coincidence that Guardiola sometimes plays him in midfield. Inter Milan will need to be very careful in protecting defensive space and limiting the opposition's performance.
Finally, Spence won't have an easy task, because Dumfries has always been a very reliable guarantee. He and Dimarco know how to penetrate the box at the right moment and can create many threats. Only through matches will we know if this English player can reach Dumfries's level."
In Serie A, Inter Milan is clearly the top candidate for the title. Is there at least one other genuine contender?
Capello said: "On paper, Inter Milan shouldn't have any opponents. The only thing they need to watch out for is losing focus in matches that should be easy on paper. Behind them, Roma is currently the best-prepared team because they haven't undergone too many changes. Napoli and Roma are on par, but we still need to see how well this team adapts to Allegri's demands.
Juventus is currently playing well, and we'll see if they become formidable opponents, but they shouldn't be ruled out too early.
Milan still needs to be watched, but their new project is progressing in the right direction. Milan's performance this season will depend on how much Amorim can make his players understand and accept his ideas, which is what matters most."
A strong team like Inter Milan should be more ambitious in the Champions League this season than last. What should be the minimum target?
Capello said: "The quarter-finals. Of course, we know that much depends on the draw, the teams' form at the time, and certain specific match situations. The Champions League often defies pre-match predictions due to these factors. However, Chivu has the conditions to rotate and can reasonably manage the physical condition of key players, keeping them in good shape until May.
The attack is assured. Lautaro is a true captain, Thuram is an excellent partner, and Arnautović and Correa are equally important. The only question is how they will react when the team needs to invest more in defense. However, when they have the ball, Inter Milan's defenders are among the best in the world. Whether the midfield can form an effective barrier will be decisive. Çalhanoğlu must return to his best form, which is when he's in the top three in his position worldwide."
Which other European teams are currently ahead of Inter Milan?
Capello said: "Paris Saint-Germain is always there. Mourinho's return will give Real Madrid a psychological boost. Barcelona, having acquired Rodri, will regain balance. Bayern and Arsenal also need to be watched. But the real issue for Inter Milan is they're not used to playing at very high intensity, because such intensity doesn't exist in Italy.
By the way, I also hope that the refereeing approach in Serie A will change this season. They shouldn't whistle for every physical contact, nor should they make immediate decisions after a player falls. The referees' style should be closer to what we saw at the World Cup, which will also allow our teams to better adapt to the pace of European competitions."
Will Italian teams perform better in European competitions this season?
Capello said: "Inter Milan has everything they need to achieve excellent results. But I'm also very much looking forward to Juventus and Milan's performances in the Europa League. I would even go further and say that if the draw allows it, I hope to see an all-Italian final. That should be their main objective this season."
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Inter
Cristian Chivu
Fabio Capello
Curtis Jones
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