Spaniard is set to be confirmed as Napoli boss.
Former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez is set to be named as the new manager of Napoli, according to the Italian club’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
The Spaniard has been the favourite to succeed Walter Mazzarri for several weeks and the Partenopei owner has now confirmed the deal.
“I’ve given myself a birthday gift, I’ve signed Benitez,” De Laurentiis is quoted as saying by Football Italia.
“I’ll make it official in the next few days as Benitez needs to end things with Chelsea.
“He’ll have a two-year contract, no longer. We need to get to know each other first, then we’ll see.”
After suceeding Roberto Di Matteo in November, Benitez guided Chelsea to a top four finish and the Europa League crown this season, despite initial ill-feeling towards the former Anfield boss from the club’s fans.
The Spaniard’s only previous experience of managing in Italy came at Inter Milan, where he lasted just seven months before being sacked.
Benitez spent six years at Anfield, winning the FA Cup, Champions League and UEFA Super Cup.
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