FABIO CAPELLO
TEAMS (PLAYER)
1964-67 SPAL
1967-70 Roma
1970-76 Juventus
1976-80 Milan
1972-76 Italy
TEAMS (MANAGER)
1982-86 Milan Primavera
1987 Milan (caretaker)
1991-96 Milan
1996-97 Real Madrid
1997-98 Milan
1999-2004 Roma
2004-06 Juventus
2006-07 Real Madrid
2007-12 England
2012-15 Russia
2017-18 Jiangsu Suning
Even if he never coached at the Euros, Fabio Capello’s time as England manager began and ended there.
The Italian was appointed as the Three Lions’ second overseas boss just a month after the ‘golden generation’ had disastrously failed to reach Euro 2008, losing at home to Croatia on the infamous night that Steve McClaren became the Wally with the Brolly.
In a little over four years, Capello steered England through two qualifying campaigns – though the 2010 World Cup ended with defeat to Germany in the last 16, then he resigned only four months from the start of Euro 2012.
Perhaps the most illustrious of those who have taken on The Impossible Job, Capello’s CV remains one of the most impressive in modern football history. The ex-Italy international went on to mastermind one of the greatest Champions League final triumphs of all time by steering Milan to a 4-0 win over Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona in 1994 – as well as bagging four Serie A titles in his first job as a boss at senior level.
He later landed two league crowns apiece with Real Madrid and Juventus, and even guided Roma to their famous Scudetto of 2001 – still the Giallorossi’s sole success since 1983.
Now 74, he’s ready to look back on his life as he answers your questions...
Did you always know you wanted to be a manager after you retired?
Karina Dixon, Bristol
I’d always thought about it, yes, even when I was a footballer. After retiring in July 1980, I started training the boys at the Milan academy. I spent five years with those young players, then for a while I worked as assistant manager to Nils Liedholm with the first team. I was passionate about that work. I’ve been very lucky during my career, because I’ve worked with great teams, but it was Milan who believed in my ability and my talent.
You travelled to a coaching course in Scotland at the start of your career.
