Old rival returns: Mourinho nears Benfica deal, Juventus and Napoli on alert | OneFootball

Former Inter and Roma coach José Mourinho is close to reaching an agreement to become the new Benfica boss, which would put the Portuguese tactician up against Juventus and Napoli in the Champions League.

Mourinho is close to becoming the new Benfica coach after the Portuguese side sacked Bruno Lage.

Mourinho close to reaching agreement with Benfica

Roma coach Jose Mourinho reacts from the technical area during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Roma at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, on December 30, 2023. (Photo by Isabella BONOTTO / AFP) (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)

Several sources, including A Bola and Fabrizio Romano, report that Mourinho is close to reaching an agreement with Benfica, less than a month after Fenerbahce fired him.

Mourinho’s appointment would also concern Serie A clubs, given that Juventus and Napoli are among the Benfica opponents in the league phase of the Champions League this season.

GENOA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Jose Mourinho, head coach of Roma, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A TIM match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on September 28, 2023 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

The Partenopei are set to visit Benfica in Week 6 on December 10, while Juventus will host the Portuguese side in the following round, on January 21, 2026.

Mourinho’s record vs. Juventus and Napoli

Mourinho has five wins, five losses, and two draws against Juventus and collected three victories, three draws and three defeats against Napoli.

Juventus debuted in the 2025-26 Champions League with a 4-4 draw against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, while Napoli will make their season debut in the competition tomorrow, Thursday, September 18, away at Manchester City.