Fabio Capello tears into Atalanta and Italian soccer after 6-1 loss to Bayer Munich
Former Real Madrid and England manager Fabio Capello was not subtle in his analysis of Atalanta’s performance in the round of 16 against Bayern Munich.
It was an ugly European night in Bergamo for Atalanta who suffered a horrendous defeat that leaves them essentially out of the Champions League despite an entire 90 minutes remaining in the tie. Legendary Italian manager Fabio Capello did not hold back in his criticism of the Italian club and the league they represent.
Capello ice cold with Atalanta
The demolition started in the 12th minute with a Josip Stanisic goal, and it only got worse from there. Two more goals were conceded before the halftime break, and Bayern buried six by Atalanta at the New Balance Arena. Speaking from the Sky Sports studios after the match, Capello said Raffaele Palladino’s side should feel fortunate.
“Atalanta were lucky to concede only six goals because the goalkeeper made some great saves; it could have been even more,” said the former Real Madrid manager. “Bayern Munich’s performance is a lesson for Italian football: Palladino’s team was the only one to qualify for the round of 16 and had beaten Borussia Dortmund, but against Germany’s top team, they were practically non-existent.”
After seeing Inter Milan make it to the Champions League final last season, four Italian clubs were in the league phase of Europe’s top competition, but none of them made the top eight which would have secured them a spot in the round of 16. Napoli was eliminated in league phase while Juventus, Inter Milan and Atalanta fell into the playoff round. Atalanta was the only side able to advance, and they did so with a last gasp goal to bury Borrusia Dortmund.
Bayern rolling since November
There was no contest between the two sides on Tuesday night from Bergamo, and while Capello was critical of the Italians, he heaped praise upon Vincent Company’s side. “I saw a team that pressed and ran, with impressive quality across the whole team in terms of passing and vision. Every time they recovered the ball, they went vertical and sprinted into space. With that technique, they clearly caused problems for Atalanta, who were a bit reckless and offensive, thinking they were facing such a strong team,” said Capello.
There is still 90 minutes to go in the tie, but it would take more than a miracle to turn the tie around from the Allianz Arena. Bayern finished second in the league phase, losing to just Arsenal who was the only team that finished ahead of them. Since that loss in late November the Germans have only lost one match.
That is what is looming for an Atalanta side who will be praying for a miracle in Munich next week. The second leg will be played next Wednesday, the 18th of March and with a five goal advantage in the aggregate, the German giants look destined for a seventh straight quarterfinal appearance.
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