Capello warns Serie A duo

Italian warns Milan pair to be wary of English threat

Last updated: 18th February 2008

Capello warns Serie A duo

Capello: Warning

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England boss Fabio Capello believes Internazionale and Milan face tough tasks against Liverpool and Arsenal this week.

The Italian giants travel to England for the first legs of their UEFA Champions League last 16 ties, with Inter visiting Anfield and holders Milan making the trip to Emirates Stadium.

Capello has warned both Serie A sides to expect a battle against the Premier League duo; of the opinion Milan have the tougher task of the two clubs.

The Italian tactician believes Liverpool's poor domestic form will count for nothing when they lock horns with Inter on Tuesday night.

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"Liverpool transform themselves in the Champions League and they are helped massively by their fans at home," Capello told ANSA.

"The Reds play well on the counter attack and when they play in the cup competitions they forget about everything else.

"Liverpool have had problems since the coach's position has been called into question and things haven't been working as they normally do.

"Because Liverpool have spent so much money this year in the hope of being Premier League contenders and they are so far back from the leaders, the manager is bound to be criticised.

"However, Liverpool at Anfield are a tough team and they know how to pressurise their opponents. Benitez has the side very organised and it will be a very interesting game between two sides who play exciting football."

Capello has also warned his former club Milan that they need to stop Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor if they are to progress.

Warning

Capello believes Arsenal will be hurting from their disappointing 4-0 defeat to Manchester United and that they will be out to make amends against Milan.

"It's the most difficult game away to Arsenal and they key to winning the game is to stop Fabregas from playing," added Capello.

"On Wednesday it will be a different Arsenal side to the one which lost in the FA Cup.

"For one thing it wasn't a perfect pitch whereas the Emirates Stadium is a beautiful surface and it's scarily fast.

"But most importantly, they were also lacking three very important players who can make all the difference.

"Milan will need to watch out for Emmanuel Adebayor, who made an immediate impact when he came on for 10 minutes."