Yahoo Sports Ex Liverpool & Real Madrid Coach Sings Praise On Nerazzurri: “Inzaghi’s Inter Are Dominant”
Veteran manager Rafael Benitez has lauded Inter Milan and Simone Inzaghi for producing a memorable 2024.
During a comprehensive interview with Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, Benitez said this has been Inter’s calendar year.
Inter reigned supreme in Serie A last season.
Simone Inzaghi clinched his first Scudetto, while the Nerazzurri earned a coveted second star on their jersey.
Furthermore, they won a third consecutive Supercoppa Italiana title in Riyadh last January.
Heavily fancied to replicate that success, Inter will lock horns with Atalanta in a standout semi-final tie on Thursday.
Benitez sees the upcoming mini-tournament in the Middle East as a pinnacle of Italian football.
“It’s the cream of Italian football, only Napoli is missing.
“Inter-Atalanta is a luxury semi-final; these are the teams, along with Napoli, pulling away in Serie A.
“They aren’t up there by chance, with 41 and 40 points. They will be the ones to fight for the Scudetto, but it’s too early to make predictions.
“On paper, looking at the squads, the Italian champions have something more, but the match promises entertainment.
“The winner of Inter-Atalanta will have a slightly better chance of taking home the Supercup.
“That’s what the trends of these months suggest.”
Rafael Benitez Praises Inter Milan & Simone Inzaghi After Remarkable 2024
“2024 was the year of Inter, which dominated the league,” Benitez stated. “Of Atalanta, which triumphed in the Europa League final.
“Of Ancelotti, who won yet another Champions League, of Manchester City, which once again imposed itself in the Premier League.
“And of Xabi Alonso and his Bayer, who turned Bundesliga predictions upside down.”
Benitez expects Inter and Simone Inzaghi to carry their dominance into 2025.
“2025 will be the year of Inter, which is dominant: six goals at Lazio’s home, then three against Cagliari,” he continued.
“But also of Atalanta, which is shining with its beauty even in the Champions League.
“And then Ancelotti, who knows what to do and how to do it after overcoming recent difficulties.
“And, finally, I think of Liverpool.”
The 64-year-old anticipates a spectacle in Riyadh.
“Lautaro has found the goal again. Thuram never lost it, Barella is a midfielder of international caliber, Calhanoglu a refined playmaker, and I could go on.
“It’s a pity Retegui won’t be there for Atalanta, but Gasperini always finds surprising solutions.
“I see De Ketelaere has exploded alongside Lookman, creating a lethal tandem.”
