Former Napoli and Inter coach Rafa Benitez feels Italy are among the favourites to win Euro 2024 alongside England, Germany, Portugal and Spain and reveals he studied Thiago Motta’s Bologna this season.
Spanish coach Benitez feels Italy are among the favourite teams to win Euro 2024 this summer.
“Personally, I think Italian football is moving towards a new golden era as I see growing potential,” the ex-Liverpool boss told Gazzetta.
Two Serie A clubs, Roma and Atalanta, have qualified for the Europa League semifinals, while the Azzurri will defend their European champions status at Euro 2024 in the summer.
“Spalletti aims for success and with a coach who can pass on this DNA to a high-level team, I put them among the favourites alongside England, Germany, Portugal and Spain,” noted Benitez.
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Italy coach Spalletti also released an interview on Tuesday, speaking with Il Corriere dello Sport. The Azzurri CT revealed he had invited four Azzurri legends to watch a training session at Coverciano during preparations for the Euros this summer.
“When we start preparation for the Euros at Coverciano, I’d like to bring four No.10: Baggio, Del Piero, Totti and Antognoni,” said the Italy CT.
“I’ve already spoken to Gravina about this. Think about them watching a training session. It would push the lads to raise the bar. The Federation will soon send invitations. If you want, I can also mention a No.10 between the sticks and not only.
“The national team jersey is special. When you join the national team, you know you must fill the jersey and wear it all the time,” continued Spalletti.
“You must train well during the two hours of the session and have an appropriate attitude during the remaining 22 hours. I’d rather have a player with less quality, but morally intact. Some time ago, there was a debate on my consideration of rest. On the fact that one must be rested when he goes to play. This simple concept can’t be labelled as the Spalletti code, but it must be a mandatory professional duty.”
Like Spalletti, Benitez also worked for Napoli and Inter in Serie A. The Spanish tactician was sacked by La Liga side Celta Vigo in March 2024 after just eight months at the club.
So, what has the future in store for the ex-Liverpool boss?
“The world ‘project’ is rare in today’s football, but in this moment of transition, the only thing one can do is to wait for the right call,” he replied.
“In the meantime, I must remain updated and study. I’ve observed Bologna, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Sociedad who have interesting and different playing styles.”
