Fabio Capello, former coach of Real Madrid, AC Milan and AS Roma, among other clubs, has joined the authorized voices that analyze the great duel between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona in the return of the 'semis' of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. In statements to 'La Gazzetta dello Sport', the 78-year-old Italian coach offered his vision on the commitment between 'nerazzurri' and azulgranas.

Capello's analysis: What to expect from Inter vs Barça?

Capello was clear in pointing out that Inter cannot settle for defending if they want to have options to reach the final: "What to expect? Above all, Inzaghi's boys should interpret the match as they did in the second half in Catalonia and not as they did in the first. So with the right dose of courage that was seen in Montjuic, especially in the second half. In this sense, Simone's choice to focus again on Dimarco and not on Carlos Augusto is a sign: on that wing is Lamine Yamal, but the game scheme does not change and they will try to harm the blaugrana without giving up the quality of the starting left back, although the former Monza player surely did better from the defensive point of view last week," he commented.

"Inzaghi's boys should interpret the match as they did in the second half in Catalonia and not as they did in the first"

Alert for Lamine Yamal: "The more important the event, the better he performs"

Fabio focused on one of the most decisive players of Barcelona in this Champions League: Lamine Yamal. The young winger was key in the first leg in Montjuïc and, according to the Italian, will be a great threat in the Giuseppe Meazza:

"How not to talk about Lamine Yamal? It will be his first time in San Siro, but don't think his legs are shaking. The kid doesn't seem to be the type prone to fear. In fact, between the European Championship, the Champions League and the challenges with Real Madrid he has already shown that he has the personality of a champion: the more important the event, the higher the level he reaches. That's why I hope that, if the match is at stake, Inter will not close as they did in the last 20 minutes against Bayern: against Lamine it would be suicide," he explained.

"The kid doesn't seem to be the type prone to fear. In fact, between the European Championship, the Champions League and the challenges with Real Madrid he has already shown that he has the personality of a champion"

The midfield area, a key area to dominate Barça

Despite the defensive casualties in both teams, Capello believes that the duel will be decided in the midfield. In particular, he pointed to Hakan Çalhanoğlu as a fundamental piece. "Regardless of the injuries (Inter will not be able to count on Pavard, Barça will not be able to count on full-backs Koundé and Baldé), I think Inzaghi should demand more from his midfield and, in particular, from Calhanoglu. The Turk seemed to me to be the one who had the most difficulties in the face of the fierce pressure from his opponents. Calha, like Barella and Mkhitaryan, will have to put more quality, speed and courage in their game, otherwise there is a risk that the ball will always return too quickly to the educated feet of the Catalans," he said.

Lautaro and Lewandowski, two key names for the outcome

To close, Capello highlighted the importance of the possible recovery of Lautaro Martínez, as well as the return of Robert Lewandowski, even if it is to the bench: "In these hours before the great match, the infirmary is also playing a crucial role. Lautaro seems to be able to do it and it is a great boost for the whole team. Because more than a great striker, Martínez is a true captain, with his own spirit and unquestionable values," he began by saying.

"On the other hand, Lewandowski will at least go to the bench. An equally important recovery, because certain balls that passed dangerously through the Inter de Barcelona area, with the Pole perhaps would have generated other goals: in front of goal he has few rivals in the world. In my opinion, in big events it is always better that both teams appear with all their stars. But there is also the other side of the coin: a champion who is not at his best can sometimes become a problem, instead of a solution. We'll see how Lautaro and Lewa are," he concluded.