Benfica, Portugal (My Sportsbook) - Giovanni Trapattoni stepped down Tuesday as coach at Benfica. The 66-year-old former Italian boss joined Benfica last summer on a two-year deal, after a disappointing performance by the Azzurri at Euro 2004. He led Benfica to the Portuguese SuperLiga title in his only season with the club. It was the club's first league triumph in 11 seasons. Benfica, however, failed to capture the Taca de Portugal on Sunday to complete the double. The league champions lost 2-1 to Vitoria Setabul in the final. "I need to return to Italy to be with my family," Trapattoni explained. Trapattoni has also coached at AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich, winning trophies at every stop. After the Portuguese championship this season, Trapattoni has now won titles in three different countries. His impressive accomplishments also include nine total league titles, two UEFA Cup conquests and a European Cup victory. |
