Rafa Benitez, the current coach of Panathinaikos, believes that while Italy possesses a wealth of talent, there are significant challenges that need to be addressed for the national team to succeed. He voiced agreement with former coaches Massimiliano Allegri and Fabio Capello that Italian teams have lost their traditional defensive strength.
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In the wake of disappointing results in European competitions, with Serie A clubs experiencing four defeats in the Champions League and only some success in the Europa League and Conference League, Gazzetta asked Benitez if these outcomes highlight ongoing issues in Italian football.
Benitez acknowledged that Italian football is struggling, citing the country's failure to qualify for three consecutive World Cups. He emphasized that two main areas require attention: club decisions, investments, and the youth development system. He stated, "I don’t believe there is a lack of talent," highlighting that while iconic players like Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero are no longer emerging, there are still quality players available.
He outlined top talent in the current squad, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, whom he rates as possibly the best goalkeeper in the world, and players like Riccardo Calafiori, Alessandro Bastoni, and Federico Dimarco, who contribute significantly on both ends of the pitch.
Benitez also commented on the competitiveness of Serie A, suggesting that clubs like Roma, Inter, Napoli, and Como operate under varying parameters, which might affect their overall performance.
To revive Italian football, he advised focusing on young players and cultivating a balanced style of play. He noted changes in defensive strategies since 2019, which have led to a more aggressive approach but can result in vulnerabilities if not executed properly, referencing Kylian Mbappé's goal against Roma as a case in point.