Mourinho teases Di Canio: ‘He will be glad I lost’ against Chelsea | OneFootball

José Mourinho commented on Benfica’s 1-0 defeat against Chelsea with Sky Sport Italia, but when he was told Paolo Di Canio was among the pundits, the Portuguese said: ‘He’ll be glad I lost.’

Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge to face his former club Chelsea on Tuesday, but his side suffered a 1-0 loss caused by a Richard Rios own goal.

Mourinho: ‘Di Canio will be glad I lost’

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: José Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Chelsea FC and SL Benfica at Stamford Bridge on September 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The Portuguese tactician spoke to Sky Sport Italia after the match, and the reporter in London informed him that Goran Pandev, Alessandro Costacurta, Fabio Capello and Di Canio were among the pundits in the studio.

“Greetings to everyone present,” said Mourinho (via Corriere dello Sport).

“Paolo Di Canio will be glad I lost, but I still salute him.”

Di Canio criticised Mourinho in the past

Paolo Di Canio

Di Canio didn’t reply, but only smiled while the others briefly analysed the game with the ex-Inter and Roma boss.

Di Canio had been highly critical of Mourinho in the past, especially during the Portuguese’s tenure as the Roma coach and after his sacking in January 2024.

Mourinho’s Benfica will cross paths with Serie A clubs as well this season, facing Napoli and Juventus in the league phase of the Champions League.