Rafa Benitez not surprised by Napoli and Conte, but Inter Serie A favourites

GETAFE, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 11: Rafa Benitez, Head Coach of Celta Vigo, looks on prior to kick-off ahead of the LaLiga EA Sports match between Getafe CF and Celta Vigo at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on February 11, 2024 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Rafa Benitez admits Inter remain the favourites to win the Serie A title, but is not surprised by Napoli challenging the Nerazzurri: ‘If you bring in Conte…’

Serie A leaders Inter will visit second-placed Napoli at the Stadio Maradona on Saturday in a crucial match for the Scudetto race.

Former Inter and Napoli coach Benitez sees the Nerazzurri as title favourites. “Of course,” he told Gazzetta, but then added: “It was also possible to sense that Napoli could be among the protagonists. If you bring in Conte, you’ve already taken a decisive step toward giving meaning to your ambitions.

“The fact that it could turn into a title race was harder to predict. But it seems that from the start, or maybe as the season progressed, many had predicted Inter first, then Napoli and Atalanta. Of course, some teams lost their way along the road, but these three names were always in the conversation.”

Is the upcoming match between Inter and Napoli decisive in the title race?

“It seems premature to say. After this match, there will still be 11 games left and 33 points up for grabs,” Benitez replied.

“There will also be crucial head-to-head clashes, top-level matches that can’t be predicted in advance and carry a high degree of difficulty. No one will deny that this game is important, but calling it decisive would be a stretch. Whoever wins won’t have secured the title, and whoever loses won’t give up. A draw would favour Atalanta, which would remain in the race regardless. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic season.”

All eyes will be on strikers Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku, a former Inter star, tomorrow.

“Lautaro has started scoring again, and Lukaku can do so at any moment,” said Benitez.

“Napoli have an extraordinary defence; let’s put aside the mishap in Como. Inter are also getting Thuram back, so they will have their starting attacking duo.

“But the real difference lies in teamwork and applies to both sides. Inter and Napoli have 57 and 56 points, with Atalanta just behind at 54. At this pace, 83 points could secure the title. But who’s to say one of these teams won’t raise the bar with a winning streak? Conte managed it with seven consecutive victories; Inzaghi did it with five. Pulling off such a run at this stage of the season would be a huge boost. And achieving these results comes down to the strength of the squad.”

Another key clash will be in the middle of the park.

“Napoli and Inter have a player each who excites any coach, thanks to their ability to light up games effortlessly and the personality they were naturally gifted with,” Benitez concluded.

“Lobotka and Calhanoglu are the kind of playmakers any team would love to have. Skilled in dictating play, defending, and leading. The Slovak has more control when it comes to occupying space, while the other offers more verticality and a knack for scoring, as he showed in the first match. I won’t say the outcome will depend on them, but it’s a fascinating duel that’s great for football.”