Benitez would appreciate Italy call, verdict on Napoli and Inter

Rafa Benitez admits he’d ‘like’ to be the new Italy coach, feels Max Allegri is the right man to replace Antonio Conte at Napoli, and was ‘surprised’ by Cristian Chivu’s Inter.

The Spaniard has history in Italy with brief experiences at Inter and Napoli, most recently in 2015, before moving on to Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Everton, Celta Vigo and Panathinaikos.

“I have finished my work in Greece, so I am waiting for some new opportunities,” Benitez told Sky Sport Italia.

Considering the Azzurri are looking around at options including Pep Guardiola, would Benitez like to receive a call from the Italian Federation?

“Well, I am working on improving my Italian…” he smiled.

“It is intriguing, the idea of becoming a national team coach. So would I like it? Yes.”

Looking at his former Serie A clubs, Napoli have parted company with Conte after two years, and look set to pick up Allegri after his dismissal by Milan.

Knowing Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis well, Benitez assures he is not surprised by this turn of events.

“De Laurentiis is very smart, he knows Allegri has the right experience. It’s not easy finding someone of the same level as Conte, and he found him.”

Inter won the Scudetto and Coppa Italia Double this season in the debut campaign of new coach Chivu, who previously had only a brief spell on the Parma bench.

Considering he was part of the 2010 Treble squad that Benitez inherited from Jose Mourinho, was the defender always destined for greatness?

“He was intelligent when he was my player, but at the start I really wouldn’t have seen him becoming a coach. But being intelligent, and with a strong team, it’s easier,” replied Benitez.

“If you try to invent something new, it becomes more complicated, but you win titles with a competitive squad and an intelligent coach.”