Italian coach Fabio Capello was interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport, where he analyzed the early stages of this season's Serie A. He discussed teams such as Inter Milan, Roma, Lazio, Juventus, Como, AC Milan, Napoli, and Cagliari, noting that one of the most striking changes in Serie A this season is the increased pace of play and significant improvement in player movement.

Speaking about the overall changes in Serie A this season, Capello said: "One of the most enjoyable aspects this season is that all teams are playing at a very fast tempo. The pace of play has increased, actual playing time has increased, and there are more cases of players cramping because everyone is running more. Finally, we're not constantly seeing 0-0 draws. The referees are also doing a good job; they're letting the game flow, and Orsato has done an excellent job."

Currently, two Roma teams are sharing the top position with Inter Milan. Which one should we discuss first?

"Let's start with Roma. Their position at the top doesn't surprise me. From the start of the season, they and Inter Milan have been the most prepared teams, and they've proven it. In their direct meeting, Roma played very well. Inter Milan have players who can change the game, but there's still one question mark around them."

What question?

"Why do they concede so many goals? There must be something wrong. In recent matches, they've often managed to recover from difficult positions, but this doesn't always work. For example, against Real Madrid, they ultimately lost. Against Napoli, they also came back to equalize, but you can't always compensate for previous errors."

Inter Milan are the favorites for the title, but they need to improve significantly in this regard. They can't always expect to play well for half the match, and they can't afford to have similar lapses."

What lessons can Roma under Gasperini take from this comeback defeat?

"They need to understand the enormous physical toll of constant pressure. As the match wears on, and once concentration drops, an opponent of Inter Milan's caliber will capitalize on those opportunities, as was clearly shown in that match."

Roma have everything needed to remain competitive in the league. They have some high-quality players, and these players all have a strong desire to perform well. Even during the transfer window, Gasperini managed to convince them. Both the players and coach truly want to work together, which shows that this team really believes in itself. Some players even took pay cuts... I see their motivation, and I see their understanding of their own strength."

Would you say that nobody expected Lazio to be this high up in the standings?

"Yes. This Lazio team has the pride and ambition of their coach. Gattuso wants to prove his worth and show how hard these players work and fight, and he's clearly succeeded. Lazio also have many good players. What's certain is that changing the system compared to the Sarri era has been successful."

Moreover, Gattuso recently experienced a major disappointment with the national team...

"Yes, he wants to reclaim the position that he deserves."

Who best represents the image of this Lazio team right now?

"Captain Zaccagni. He's an example for the entire team."

On the other hand, Juventus entered the international break three points behind the leaders.

"The Juventus I saw against Atalanta appeared to be improving and playing with more confidence. I liked the performance of all the players on the pitch. When they need to withstand pressure, they grit their teeth and hold firm; when they need to play football, they really do. They're on the right track."

This is a very strong response after losing to Sassuolo.

"Psychologically, this is very important. The last goal they conceded was a gift entirely of their own making. It was like serving a plate to the opponent and saying, 'Please, help yourself.'"

So, what's your take on Como's defeat?

"They faced a goalkeeper who saved almost everything. But even so, I still feel that Como currently lacks the dynamism and pace they had last season, which is what they're missing now. Even Nico Paz is now trying to rely more on individual skill to score, whereas in the past, he would have looked more to create opportunities for others. They all need to keep improving."

I think it's a shame they lost away to Frosinone right now, because the international break is coming. When you lose a match, the important thing is to have another game soon to respond, but Fabregas just has to wait now."

Meanwhile, AC Milan also welcomed back Pulisic last night.

"Amorim finally fielded the team's strongest lineup, and perhaps he's found the right direction. We'll soon see the effects. Now we have to wait for AC Milan to truly integrate the new players into the team and then see what happens next."

However, Napoli are not among the top teams in the standings right now; they're already six points behind the leaders.

"I'm not yet sure whether Allegri has truly instilled his ideas into this team, and he's still looking for the solution that best fits his philosophy. I'm convinced that Napoli's current deficit is partly because of this. Additionally, Allegri is currently missing two midfielders who played key roles under Conte – Anguissa and McTominay – who are crucial for the entire midfield system to function."

How do you feel about Cagliari being just one point behind the leaders?

"I'm happy for Cagliari because they have the spirit of Sardinia. They're truly a surprise. Their previous match against Inter Milan surprised me; they could easily have conceded six or seven goals in that game. Perhaps that match made them realize the team needs to make some adjustments."

But I still have to congratulate them; they are indeed a pleasant surprise. I also have to acknowledge that I'm genuinely delighted to see Cagliari and Lazio, two teams with long histories, both at the top of the standings. It gives a sense of looking back to the past, to a certain extent."

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