Exchange of barbs between Fabio Capello and Beppe Bergomi after Inter’s loss

Inter’s loss to Real Madrid in the first match of the Champions League group stage at the Bernabéu Stadium sparked a debate in the Sky studio: at the end of the match, there was a disagreement between former Juventus and Milan coach Fabio Capello and former Inter captain Beppe Bergomi.

Don Fabio pointed out some flaws in Chivu’s team’s preparation: “Real Madrid didn’t know how to hold their own on the field,” Capello began, “Inter could do whatever they wanted. They didn’t capitalize on the opportunity, especially failing to take advantage of the huge impact Diouf had on the field. For the first quarter of an hour, Inter did whatever they wanted, but they kept playing short passes without switching the play, when they could have easily done so. In their recent league matches, Real has been put in trouble precisely by these switches of play, but evidently the match wasn’t strategized that way.”

Bergomi disagreed, commenting on the match with Fabio Caressa: “In the first half, Inter took full advantage of Real’s difficulties, capitalizing on Diouf’s performance.” But Capello immediately interjected: “Beppe, take another look at the game—they didn’t switch play, and there was space to do so, to quickly deliver a cross near the penalty area.” Bergomi decided to put an end to the discussion with a terse “I saw it.”

Real Madrid defeated Inter 2-1 thanks to goals by Mbappé and Valverde, aided by two defensive lapses by the Nerazzurri. Carlos Augusto’s second-half goal was in vain.