Marco Silva chosen after Benfica ‘wanted’ Vincenzo Italiano for job | OneFootball

Vincenzo Italiano, the former Bologna coach, was on Benfica’s shortlist during their search for a new manager, alongside Marco Silva. The disclosure came as Bologna’s technical director Giovanni Sartori discussed the Italian’s move to Beşiktaş.

“Personally, I expected him to stay so we could continue our path and carry on our project after two very successful years,” said Sartori. He told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“The reason for the departure? He thought a cycle had ended and, when that happens, even if you try insistently to change his mind, a coach goes down that path. It seems to me that Benfica also wanted him,” Sartori added.

Benfica ultimately chose Marco Silva to succeed José Mourinho. After a few weeks of uncertainty, he left Fulham and selected the Luz as his next destination, with Mourinho set to take charge of Real Madrid following Florentino Pérez’s re-election as president.

Marco Silva is expected to be officially unveiled this week. Although not yet announced by the club, he is already said to be quietly assisting with preparations for the new season.

Among his first decisions is said to be approving the departure of Sidny Lopes Cabral. The Cape Verde international is in line to join Trabzonspor, a deal that would bring Benfica a significant fee only months after his arrival from Estrela da Amadora.

Source: Glorioso 1904