Rafa Benitez and Sampdoria are a perfect match, insists Sven-Goran Eriksson

Jun 20, 2012 9:40:00 PM

The former Blucerchiati coach believes that the former Inter Milan and Liverpool manager would be a great fit for his old club, adding that he is "a great name, a great coach"

Sven-Goran Eriksson has thrown support behind Rafael Benitez following rumours that the Spaniard was in the running to take over as coach of Sampdoria.

The club from Genoa returned to Serie A after winning the Serie B playoff against Varese, following a year in the Italian second division.

And reports have emerged that the side are interested in a new, ambitious coach to replace Giuseppe Iachini, and Eriksson has stated that Benitez would be a great fit.

The former England manager told Radio Babboleo News: "Sampdoria should always be protagonists, because they're a great club. I think it would be right to bet on Benitez.

“[Benitez is] a great name [and] a great coach.”

The Swede himself lead Sampdoria between 1992 and 1997, winning the Coppa Italia in the process, and has hailed the impact that Benitez could have on the side's transfer market, insisting that he would be able to attract and "buy the right players."

Benitez has not held a managerial position since his sacking from Inter in 2010.

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