As a former England manager born nearer Bari than Bow Bells or Bannockburn, Fabio Capello makes an unexpected cheerleader for Scotland.
Yet when Gordon Strachan’s side tackle the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, they will carry with them the hopes and expectations of the 68-year-old Italian.
“I’d be very happy if Scotland managed to qualify for the Euros,” he said.
“It is a country I love deeply. An incredible nation.
“I first came over in the 1980s for a study trip after finishing my coaching badges at Coverciano, and was awestruck by the place. That impression has never left me.
“I really admire the people and their attachment to their roots and traditions.
“Scotland fans are among the best in the world. So it would be great to see them at Euro 2016 supporting their team.
“And it could happen because they are getting better with every game.”
Capello, who has also managed Real Madrid, Juventus and
AC Milan and is now coach of Russia, was in charge of England for 42 matches.
He remains disappointed those fixtures in charge of the Auld Enemy didn’t include a renewal of the oldest international fixture of them all.
“It certainly is a regret for me that there was no match against Scotland in my time in charge,” he said.
“There was a bit of contact between the FA and SFA in my time, but unfortunately it didn’t result in a match taking place.
“That was a real shame. I’m sure it would have been a fantastic spectacle, not least because the Scottish fans are unparalleled in their dedication to the team and that sense of belonging and identity they have.”
In the games Capello did have with England, they did very well.
Between 2008 and 2012, he guided the country to the Finals of both the World Cup in 2010 and the Euros in 2012.
His win ratio of 66.7% was superior to that of predecessors Steve McClaren, Kevin Keegan, Glenn Hoddle and Terry Venables, and better that current incumbent, Roy Hodgson.
And that was particularly significant given departing FIFA President Sepp Blatter (right)criticised the FA for appointing from outwith their shores.
Indeed, but for the bad decision that saw Frank Lampard’s goal against Germany at World Cup in South Africa five years ago chopped off, despite the fact the ball crossed the line, it could have been even better.
“That one is still an open wound for me,” admitted the Italian.
“It was a clear goal and it could have changed the entire story of that tournament.
“But, listen, I spend a fair bit of time in London and I get a lot of warmth from people.
“I get stopped for autographs and photos, and there are always smiles and compliments.
“That gives me a lot of pleasure, and I have to say I think I deserve their approval. The stats don’t lie they tell a clear story.
“I strongly believed back then that a foreign coach can add something different to a group that already has certain characteristics, and does things in a certain way, because of where they come from. I still believe that.”
While Capello has moved on, he continues to follow the game on both sides of the border with enthusiasm.
“I think it is a fantastic time for the whole of British football,” he said.
“As I have mentioned, Scotland are getting better and better and I also believe England are capable of winning the Euros.
“They are a very good team with a lot of talented players. Now, this is no fluke or co-incidence. British clubs work in a very professional manner, and there’s a lot of investment in the game.
“Above all else, they invest in their youth structures. They give young players an opportunity to actually play, which really helps their development.
“I always love watching Raheem Sterling of Liverpool, and I also really like Harry Kane at Spurs, who is a true top-level striker.
“It is great to see them coming through because in Italy, there’s almost never room for young players.”
Capello has also, he admits, taken a professional pleasure from watching Jose Mourinho mastermind Chelsea’s latest title win.
“I have an excellent relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson,” he said
“He is a fantastic person, and he was an exceptional, incomparable manager.
“For me, however, Mourinho is the best there is now.
“He is a great manager, one who doesn’t always have his team play the same way. He knows more than one type of football.
“Jose really studies the players at his disposal and makes a call on the right way to play with that particular group to get the best out of them and achieve results.
“His record, and the amount of trophies he’s won, show it is the right approach.
“My own philosophy is similar because I believe if you try to impose a style of play on a group of players, who don’t have the right characteristics, then you will almost certainly fail.”
And as his record of a European Cup win, plus nine top-flight titles in two countries demonstrates, failure is not in Fabio Capello’s make-up.
Come Saturday he, and every member of the Tartan Army whether inside the Aviva Stadium or watching the qualifier on television must hope it isn’t in Scotland’s, either.
Report by Danny Stewart and Massimiliano Vitelli
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