Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti is baffled by the belief England would be harder to beat if Fabio Capello was still in charge.
That Capello is no longer manager is being viewed as a major plus by the Italian media as their team prepares for a quarter-final clash against England at Euro 2012 on Sunday.
However, Moratti believes Hodgson’s talents are being underestimated, particularly in light of England’s progression to the knockout stages as winners of Group D.
“On Italian TV they do nothing but repeat how much more dangerous England would be with Fabio Capello as coach,” Moratti told Il Giorno.
“Let me say that I admire Capello a lot. But I do not think that with Hodgson England are in trouble. They got seven points in their group, the same as Spain – only Germany got more.”
Hodgson enjoyed two separate stints as Inter boss during the 1990s and the 64-year-old made a lasting impression on Moratti.
“I always liked him for his loyalty, his culture and his education,” Moratti said.
“Unfortunately, in our country, he has not been sufficiently appreciated.
“But he’s a competent technician and very pragmatic, as demonstrated by the results he has obtained with England so far. So, some of the comments, I just do not understand them. ”
Moratti is wary of the threat posed by England, whom he believes are, man for man, better than Italy.
“I shall trust in (Italy manager Cesare) Prandelli, who is prudent person and will prepare for the game without listening to the TV,” he said.
“But we must remind ourselves that Hodgson can sometimes leave a player like (Andy Carroll) on the bench. Taking players one by one, our opponents are probably stronger.”
