Benitez warns Napoli lag slightly behind Inter in title chase

Rafa Benitez says Napoli are only marginally behind Inter, giving the latter a small edge as the Serie A title race begins. He points to four years of continuous competition between the clubs as the reason for the current gap.

Interview context and publication

The remarks were made in an L'Intervista with La dello Sport. The interview appeared in the Stampa A‑ A+ section. Benitez, former coach of both Napoli and Inter, outlined his view of the upcoming season.

Benitez's analysis of the title race

He stressed that Tutto il progetto must be built with the head as well as the heart, requiring programming, continuity and stability. According to Benitez, Inter have over‑achieved the title and added athletic depth with Stones and energy with Spence and Jones. He highlighted the influence of Marotta and Ausilio and a huge squad featuring Lautaro, Thuram, Pio Esposito, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco and Barella, plus three new signings that bring Premier League culture.

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Regarding Napoli, Benitez said the club is slightly detached because it had to brake in the transfer campaign. He noted Allegri’s fifteen‑year record of winning and said that if you have players such as De Bruyne, Lobotka, McTominay, Di Lorenzo or Hojlund, you cannot be impressed. Max, he added, manages the human capital splendidly and is accustomed to pressure, and six titles indicate something special.

He wondered whether the season will become a two‑horse race, adding that Juventus are restarting under Spalletti. Juventus have brought in Kolo Muani and Alajbegovic up front, where they already had Yildiz, and added Vicario and Lucumi in defence. Spalletti, Benitez noted, was the coach who returned the Scudetto to Napoli after 33 years.

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Looking ahead, Benitez believes Inter start with a slight advantage, Napoli will aim to close the gap, and Juventus will add further intrigue to the title fight. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether the projected dynamics hold true.