Benitez tells AC Milan fans: Lopetegui an excellent coach

Rafa Benitez says former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui would be a positive appointment for AC Milan.

Lopetegui is in contact with Milan about replacing Stefano Pioli next season.

Benitez told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I don't know the dynamics that deeply, I can say that Julen is an excellent coach.

"And that taking over from Pioli, who won, will be complicated."

On Italy's Euros, Benitez added: "I believe it is heading towards a new golden era, the potential is there and it's growing. At the European Championships, I put Italy among the favourites together with England, Germany, Portugal and Spain."