Capello hopes for Italy treble in Europe but warns Atalanta and Fiorentina

Rome: Fabio Capello hopes Italian coaches complete a treble in European competitions this season but warns Atalanta that ‘Leverkusen have more quality.’

Capello, a former Milan, Juventus, and England coach, is confident that Italian coaches can win three UEFA competitions this season.

“It would be nice to see a treble from Italian coaches: Ancelotti lifting the Champions League with Real Madrid, Gasperini winning the Europa League with Atalanta and Italiano triumphing in the Conference League with Fiorentina. For Coverciano, it would be like winning a Ballon d’Or,” the ex-coach told Gazzetta.

“I am confident even if it may sound strange given the opponents. I am more fearful for Fiorentina than Atalanta. The Viola will meet Olympiacos in Athens, even if in AEK’s stadium, not theirs’. However, Greek fans are loud, and I hope Olympiacos will feel more pressure than it is due,” he continued.

Atalanta have qualified for the Coppa Italia and the Europa League Final and eliminated Liverpool in the UEL quarter-finals.

“I trust Gasperini and Atalanta. A team that can hurt any opponent,” said Capello.

“It’s no coincidence that they won 3-0 at Anfield, eliminating Liverpool, who were considered the favourites for the Europa League. Leverkusen have more quality [than Atalanta] and all these good results have boosted their self-esteem, but to be favourites is not always an advantage.”

Capello knows it first-hand.

“In 1993, we [Milan] reached the Champions League Final against Marseille after some great results. But then a corner kick was enough to lose the Final,” Capello warned.

“This is football, nothing should ever be taken for granted. Atalanta have drastically improved and I believe they’ll need great focus.”

What’s the most impressive achievement for Gasperini this season?

“He deserves credit for what he achieved from De Ketelaere and Scamacca. Gasperini has made Atalanta and Italy’s good. now we have a solid striker for the Euros,” Capello replied.

Fiorentina, on the other hand, have reached the second consecutive Conference League Final and hope to win the trophy this time after losing to West Ham a year ago.

“Fiorentina have more experience than last season but they’ve had highs and lows in Serie A,” noted Capello.

“Italiano deserved another Final, and I hope he’ll find the key to beating Olympiacos and lifting the cup this time. However, don’t underestimate the Greeks, not only because they play in Athens.”

Capello won two European trophies as a coach, both at Milan. A Champions League in 1993-94 and a UEFA Supercup in 1994. He also won five Serie A titles and two La Liga with Real Madrid.