Benitez thrilled by Inter and Napoli in ‘two-horse race’ for Serie A title

Rafa Benitez believes the fight for the Serie A title is close to becoming a ‘two-horse race’ as Napoli and Inter have something more than Atalanta, although La Dea still retain ‘a chance to get back in’.

The former Liverpool manager was particularly impressed by the Partenopei’s seven consecutive wins, a streak which included ‘two incredible comebacks’ against Juventus and Atalanta, demonstrating the ‘stature’ of Antonio Conte’s players and the ‘personality’ he has managed to instil in the team.

While the 64-year-old expects the upcoming weeks to give ‘interesting indications’ on which team could get an edge, he suggests that Simone Inzaghi’s side and Napoli could keep the title race alive until the final stretch of the season, as even their head-to-head in early March may no determine who is favourite.

Benitez on Napoli’s ‘incredible comebacks’ and Conte’s ‘personality’

“I’m happy to see them both there, fighting for this title,” Benitez told in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“You could say it’s become a two-horse race, although Atalanta still have a chance to get back in: seven points seem like a lot, but they’re not insurmountable. However, the two teams ahead have something more, as we’ve already said.”

Napoli have inflicted Juventus their first Serie A defeat of the season by coming back from behind at the Stadio Maradona, only one week after their crucial 3-2 win at Atalanta.

“And these victories alone would give you an idea of the strength of Conte’s team and his coaching,” the coach continued.

“They’ve gone through a series of very difficult matches – first Atalanta, then Juventus – and emerged not just with two wins, but with two incredible comebacks.

“This shows the stature of the players, the personality their coach has instilled in them, and the work behind this achievement.”

The former Inter and Napoli coach also weighed in on the theory that the latter benefit from not playing European football.

“It’s true that playing every three days is tough, but I also add that the matches – the best part of football – become a training aspect, and coaches know how to make the most of them,” Benitez added

“I believe that for a coach like Conte, with his history, having the Champions League would be very pleasing. It’s not his fault that he doesn’t have it, we know what happened last season, so he tries to make the most of the fixture list the season gives him.

“No one denies the energy expenditure, but few think about the motivation and the drive that certain challenges give.”

Benitez: Inter and Napoli ‘devour matches’

Both sides will have to deal with dangerous opponents in the next Serie A rounds, but while such matches will tell more about how the title fight could play out, the Spanish manager believes the season is still ‘very long’ and we will have to wait before having a ‘definitive verdict’.

“This competition raises the spectacle of Serie A, makes it more exciting, and keeps it vibrant as long as possible,” he observed.

“I think that in the next two rounds, we could get some very interesting indications: Napoli will go to Rome, and Inter will have the Milan derby.

“Then, after 15 days, there will be a big test for Inzaghi’s side at Juventus, while Napoli will return to Rome to face Lazio, a team in good form, doing very well in Europe, with consistency and already having beaten Napoli twice.

“It’s unlikely we’ll have a definitive verdict, but it’s clear we’ll know more.

“I suspect that even from that match [Napoli vs Inter], we won’t reach a decision, because the season is very long, and the conditions can change.

“It will be exciting, we’ll be on the edge of our seats, but Lukaku has come back strong, and that’s a huge asset for Conte. Inter are also finding Lautaro again, who confirmed in Lecce that he’s rediscovered his form as a top-level striker.

“But in general, there’s an analogy worth noting: the personality of both Napoli and Inter, one at 53 points and the other at 50, with a game in hand. They could end up neck-and-neck. And both teams devour matches.”