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Capello: ‘Amorim must have seen something in Nkunku he didn’t like
Capello: ‘Amorim must have seen something in Nkunku he didn’t like’
Fabio Capello has had his say on the current state of affairs at Milan and the reports that Christopher Nkunku is ‘out’ of the project, suggesting that Ruben Amorim must have seen something that he didn’t like from the Frenchman during training and that teenager Francesco Camarda is more than good enough to play a regular role with the first-team this season.
Amorim has been in charge of Milan for just shy of a month, appointed on July 16, and has been taking his time to assess the current players available in his squad before making any major decisions on outgoings or further incoming signings.
On Thursday, it emerged that a list of four Milan players are no longer crucial to Amorim’s plans and have been put up for sale, namely Nkunku, Youssouf Fofana, Fikayo Tomori and David Odogu. In addition, the Rossoneri are expected to listen to appropriate offers for the likes of Rafael Leao, Santiago Gimenez and Pervis Estupinan.
Capello reacts to Milan’s cut list: ‘Tomori might’ve been useful, no Nkunku in a 3-4-2-1?’
Capello, speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport , explained that Tomori is the most surprising name to end up on that list.
“Tomori is the one I thought might be useful to Amorim in some way,” said Capello. “Let’s not forget that he was a starter last season and also played for Milan when they won the Scudetto and reached the semi-final of the Champions League.
“Tomori isn’t the defender who is good at setting up play in the way that the coach probably prefers. But given the set of defenders currently in the squad, I would have thought carefully before getting rid of the Englishman.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan celebrates the victory at the end of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Instead, it appears that Milan may have to dip into the transfer market to pick up a replacement defender.
“If you were to tell me that Milan will go and sign someone like Nesta from the good old days, then I’d hold up my hands and walk Tomori out of the door myself. Playing with the ball a lot of the time means we lose track of what a defender’s most important task is, and that is to defend.”
When asked to explain what he meant by that, Capello added: “Amorim wants to play a more proactive style of football and keep the press high, but there are moments in games when you have to know how to defend, even in your own penalty area.
“Being able to dribble is great, but you need a strong central defender in your own area. Unless you’ve got players like Maldini, Baresi, Costacurta, phenomena like that who can do everything well.”
Moving onto Milan’s midfield, Capello said: “I believe the coach wants to focus on Jashari a lot, who he sees as a good fit for his style of play. Milan will still depend on Modric a lot, and he turns 41 in September.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 05: Luka Modric of AC Milan runs inti the field during the pre-season match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)
“The Croatian won’t be able to play every single minute. Behind him, there’s Comotto, who is a very interesting young man and it’s right that he’s in the squad. Then there’s Ricci, who is a reliable player and Musah, who Amorim might see as handy for his possession game. He’s good at dictating play, less so in the tactical reading of the game, though.”
Capello was asked what he made of the fact that Nkunku has ended up on the list of sacrificable Milan players this summer.
“I thought the Frenchman would have had space in Amorin’s 3-4-2-1 but instead he’s excluded from the project. Clearly the coach has seen something in training he doesn’t like.”
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Nkunku is out of Amorim’s plans, but it remains to be seen whether Rafael Leao will stay or go before the close of the summer transfer window.
“We’ll see,” said Capello. “As I’ve already said, if Leao really were to stay, things won’t be easy for him. And to prevent San Siro from really kicking off after the statements he made this summer, he won’t just need to have a good season, but a super season.”
So, where does Capello feel Milan still need to improve?
“We’ve spoken about the defender, and in my opinion, it’s not just a need for someone to make up the numbers but a starter instead. Gila alone is not enough.
“I also expect a creative player who can make a difference in the final third, whether Leao stays or goes. If he stays, he’s not a guarantee and a bit of healthy competition would do him good. I don’t think certain behaviours can be fixed anymore, but at least Milan would be well covered on those days when Rafa gets up out of the wrong side of the bed.”
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 05: Rafael Leao of AC Milan makes a run towards goal during the pre-season match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
But if that is it, would Milan not be a bit short at centre-forward with just Goncalo Ramos and Francesco Camarda, assuming that Santiago Gimenez is moved on this summer.
“So what? I see a lot of potential in Camarda, he knows how to move in the box and has a lot of quality,” Capello argued.
“It’s right that he’s finally given the chance to break through. Allegri also wanted to keep him in the squad last year. There’s always too much skepticism with young players in Italy, we need a bit more courage. It’s impossible to know when a young lad is ready if they’re neve...
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