Serie A has opened with the kind of congestion that gives every Sunday afternoon extra weight: eight teams are separated by only three points, sitting between 10 and 13 in the table. Fabio Capello sees more than a close standings picture, however. For him, the early championship has found a sharper rhythm on the pitch.
A faster Serie A takes shape
Capello has welcomed the increase in intensity across the league, arguing that matches are being played at a pace that Italian football had been missing. In his view, the change is visible not only in the tempo but also in the amount of effective playing time.
- Eight sides are currently clustered between 10 and 13 points.
- Capello believes teams are playing with greater speed.
- He noted that the ball is in play for longer periods.
- The physical demands have also risen, with more cramps as players cover more ground.
- He praised the decline of scoreless draws and the willingness to keep matches moving.
“The best thing about this league is that everyone plays at great speed,” Capello said. “The rhythm has increased, playing time has increased, and cramps have increased because footballers are running more. At last, there are no more 0-0s.”
Referees recognised for allowing continuity
The former Milan, Roma and Juventus coach also credited the officials for contributing to the new flow of the competition. He praised referees for resisting unnecessary interruptions and singled out Daniele Orsato for recognition.
Capello’s point was not simply about entertainment. A freer, quicker match asks more of squads, coaches and players over the course of a season. The early table may be compact, but the greater physical load will test how well each club can sustain its work.
Gasperini’s pressing brings both reward and demand
Gian Piero Gasperini has earned broad approval for his work, with his teams’ pressing approach again standing out. Yet that style carries an obvious cost: pressing requires energy, and the demands accumulate as the calendar progresses.
In a league now being played with more speed and fewer pauses, the question for teams built around aggressive work without the ball will be whether they can preserve that intensity through the long campaign.
Gattuso’s side earns praise for its attitude
Capello also expressed pride in Gennaro Gattuso’s team, highlighting the commitment shown by the group. The praise centred on a familiar Gattuso principle: collective work and the willingness to compete.
- Gattuso’s players have been recognised for their labour.
- The team’s fighting spirit has been identified as a defining feature.
- That commitment fits the broader early-season picture of a Serie A being played at higher intensity.
The season is still young, but its first chapter has already offered a clear theme: a crowded table, faster football and a competition in which energy, organisation and endurance may prove as important as individual quality.
