Rafa Benitez admits he’d ‘like’ to be the brand new Italy coach, feels Max Allegri is the correct man to interchange Antonio Conte at Napoli, and was ‘stunned’ by Cristian Chivu’s Inter.
The Spaniard has historical past in Italy with transient experiences at and Napoli, most not too long ago in 2015, earlier than transferring on to , , , and Panathinaikos.
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Benitez open to Italy job
ATHENS, GREECE – JANUARY 29: Panathinaikos coach Rafa Benitez through the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Section MD8 match between Panathinaikos FC and at Spyros Louis on January 29, 2026 in Athens, Greece. (Photograph by Milos Bicanski/Getty Photos)
“I’ve completed my work in Greece, so I’m ready for some new alternatives,”
Contemplating the Azzurri are wanting round at , would Benitez wish to obtain a name from the Italian Federation?
“Nicely, I’m engaged on enhancing my Italian…” he smiled.
“It’s intriguing, the thought of turning into a nationwide group coach. So would I prefer it? Sure.”
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Massimiliano Allegri greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach earlier than the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photograph by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Photos)
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his former Serie A golf equipment, Napoli have parted firm with Conte after two years, and look set to choose up Allegri after his dismissal by Milan.
Figuring out Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis effectively, Benitez assures he isn’t stunned by this flip of occasions.
“De Laurentiis could be very sensible, he is aware of Allegri has the correct expertise. It’s not simple discovering somebody of the identical stage as Conte, and he discovered him.”
Inter received the Scudetto and Coppa Italia Double this season within the debut marketing campaign of latest coach Chivu, who beforehand had solely a short spell on the bench.
Contemplating he was a part of the 2010 Treble squad that Benitez inherited from Jose Mourinho, was the defender all the time destined for greatness?
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“He was clever when he was my participant, however at the beginning I actually wouldn’t have seen him turning into a coach. However being clever, and with a robust group, it’s simpler,” replied Benitez.
“For those who attempt to invent one thing new, it turns into extra difficult, however you win titles with a aggressive squad and an clever coach.”