Rafa Benitez offers himself for Italy role as Azzurri plot rebuild

Italy find themselves rebuilding after failing to reach the World Cup, a collapse that saw Gennaro Gattuso depart and president Gabriele Gravina resign. The FIGC will wait for federal elections on June 22 to decide whether Giovanni Malagò or Giancarlo Abete will take over, and Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini has been asked to lead the senior squad for friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece.

While names such as Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte have been linked with the job, Rafa Benitez has emerged as a surprise candidate. The former Inter and Napoli coach, recently free after leaving Panathinaikos, spoke to Sky Sport at the Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain and signalled his interest.

Benitez said: "I am learning and improving my Italian. Jokes aside, coaching a national team in the future can be a real option for me. Preparing for a World Cup or a European Championship is a very fascinating challenge." When asked directly about the Italy role he added, "Me, coach of the Italian national team?

Italy

rafa benitez, italy, azzurri, gennaro gattuso, gabriele gravina, figc, giovanni malagò, silvio baldini, world cup, antonio conte