Second choice? Before Marco Silva, Benfica wanted Serie A's 8th coach | OneFootball

The name of Vincenzo Italiano was on Benfica's shortlist during the process of choosing a new manager. The revelation was made by Bologna technical director Giovanni Sartori, who spoke about the Italian coach’s departure for Besiktas.

“Personally, I expected him to stay, so we could continue on our path and carry on with our project, after two very successful years,” he began by saying in a recent interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

"The reason for his departure? He felt a cycle had come to an end and, when that happens, even if people keep trying to make him change his mind, a coach moves forward down that path. It seems to me that Benfica wanted him as well", he revealed.

Benfica’s choice to succeed José Mourinho ultimately fell on Marco Silva. After a few weeks of uncertainty, the coach decided to leave Fulham and choose the Luz as his next destination, given that the Special One will take charge of Real Madrid after Florentino Pérez was re-elected as president of the Merengue club.

It should be noted that . Although he has not yet been announced by the Eagles, the coach is already said to be quietly helping prepare for the new season.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.