Benitez gives Atalanta UEL boost after eliminating Liverpool while Inter close to Man City and Madrid | OneFootball

Rafa Benitez sees experience as the only difference between Inter, Manchester City and Real Madrid and insists Atalanta have ‘concrete chances’ of winning the Europa League after eliminating Liverpool.

The Spanish tactician spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about the state of Italian football and predicted a ‘new golden era’ for Calcio.

The ex-Inter and Napoli boss started with the Partenopei’s struggles this season.

“Replacing Spalletti would have been difficult for everyone, in terms of results and empathy,” he said.

The Partenopei changed three coaches this season: Rudi Garcia, Walter Mazzarri, and Francesco Calzona. They are expected to hire a new one for 2024-25. Antonio Conte and Stefano Pioli are among the leading candidates for the job.

“They need a good coach, not necessarily a young one,” noted Benitez.

“I still believe that a coach must choose the system depending on the players he has. It’s not about 4-3-3- or 3-5-2. Fans want intensity, competitiveness and commitment. Adapting to the opponents is fine, but it’s better to impose your football.”

Inter close to Man City and Real Madrid, Benitez claims

Inter, another ex-club of Benitez in Serie A have just become the Serie A champions for the 20th time in history.

“I think everyone agrees they are the best in Serie A. They deserved to win the title, and it’s always a great feat, even when you have the best team,” said the Spaniard. “In that case, it’s an even bigger feat because you must accomplish it.”

The Nerazzurri reached the Champions League Final last season but were eliminated in the Round of 16 this term. However, Benitez doesn’t see a big gap between them, City, and Real Madrid.

“There is a gap, but it’s not so big. Inter can face any opponent on par,” said the Spaniard.

“Man City and Real Madrid have accumulated a certain amount of experience which, at this moment, makes the difference when you compete at the highest levels, but Inzaghi’s team can reach them.”

Benitez gives Atalanta UEL boost after eliminating Liverpool

However, Atalanta and Roma will play in the Europa League semifinals on Thursday, and Benitez can’t wait to see the two Serie A clubs in action.

“Atalanta impressed me against Liverpool. I like the way Gasperini coaches them and they have concrete chances of winning the trophy,” he said.

“De Rossi is also doing a great job. His Roma side play well and the games with Bayer Leverkusen will be interesting as they [Bayer] are still unbeaten.”