The former coach, among others of Napoli and Inter in Italy, Rafa Benitezspoke to the de notebooks La Gazzetta dello Sport. This is his thoughts on the Italians in the Champions League starting from Milan: “Against Liverpool he came out badly, he recovered immediately in an almost unsuspected way in the derby against Inter. It wasn’t easy to do it given the climate, but instead Milan reacted, won and then Lecce did it again. Character is a gift. Leverkusen? He’s in a great moment that has lasted for years now, he triumphed in the Bundesliga, now coming off a 1-1 draw at Bayern, he got off to a flying start in the Champions League and is playing at a level of continuity that should be applauded.”
What does Inter send you?
“The international level, highlighted in the draw with Manchester City, risked faltering with the defeat in the derby. But Inzaghi put things back in order, he won in Udine, he found Lautaro Martínez’s goal again and this time with Red Star he needs to completely take control of himself again. No match, even one that may turn out to be the least complicated, can be faced with superficiality: Inter knows this well, they will not fall into the trap and will try to confirm that the defeat against Milan was just an empty joke.”
Juventus never gets distracted.
“They have defensive solidity, they almost never score, they started with the three goals against PSV almost with ease and on Saturday they enjoyed Vlahović. Some have not entered, some others have not yet exploded, but a new path has been undertaken that needs to be developed. Thiago Motta has ideas and seems to me to be in control of the situation. Leipzig is yet another test from which to take notes for the future: if they managed to win it would add self-esteem and points to the standings and they are always useful.”
Bologna adds prestige to its history.
“Playing at Anfield is fascinating because that stadium gives off almost unrepeatable sensations. The quality of Liverpool is not to be discovered, it is told by the names and state of health of the players, who now dominate in the Premier League. It’s matches like this that a player hopes to experience, and Bologna is reaping the fruits of an amazing job. Saying it is harsh and banal but Italian has seen improvements in the most recent events.”
Do you like Atalanta?
“Very. It is a team that fully represents its coach. In the league she still can’t be herself but the 0-0 draw with Arsenal has its value. And the Champions League gives back energy and strong motivation, to be used to start again.”