Gennaro Gattuso failed to secure qualification for this summer’s World Cup, the third consecutive time they will miss the biggest tournament in football.
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The fallout has been major, with Gattuso quitting the role as Italy manager alongside several other high-profile members of the FIGC.
Speaking to Sky Sport at the Champions League final, Benitez appeared to throw his hat in the ring for the job.
"I am learning and improving my Italian. Jokes aside, coaching a national team in the future can be a real option for me,” he said.
“Preparing for a World Cup or a European Championship is a very fascinating challenge.”
When asked outright about the Italy job, he responded: "Me, coach of the Italian national team? I would do it with great pleasure.”