Capello “perplexed” by Vieira Genoa appointment

Capello admits the timing of sacking Alberto Gilardino and replacing him with the Frenchman has left him confused.

“Nothing surprises me anymore,” Capello told Gazzetta.

“Gila did great things last year and seemed to bounce back after a rough start amid big turnovers and injuries. The timing in particular leaves me baffled.

“He is a man I knew when he was very young in Milan, and we reunited at Juventus when he was a famous champion. He has always been intelligent and polite.”

“I demanded his contract in 2005 to create a midfield partnership with Emerson.

“I met Vieira while he was on the bench at Crystal Palace. He did well in the first season. He comes from the school of Arsène Wenger and Arsenal. That's his idea of ​​football.”

On the potential tension between Vieira and Mario Balotelli, Capello added: “Balotelli has always loved to move with the ball at his feet, but not so much when he had to do the same collectively. At this level in football there is always time to make peace.”