Benitez would appreciate Italy call, verdict on Napoli and Inter | OneFootball

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.

Benitez open to Italy job

ATHENS, GREECE – JANUARY 29: Panathinaikos coach Rafa Benitez during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Panathinaikos FC and AS Roma at Spyros Louis on January 29, 2026 in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)

“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.”

NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 06: Massimiliano Allegri AC Milan greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

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.”