Former Inter President Massimo Moratti admits hiring Rafa Benitez “was a mistake. We lived in a climate of terror.”

Benitez was brought in after Jose Mourinho won the Treble in 2010 and lasted only six months, even though he won the Italian Super Cup and Club World Cup.

“In my view, hiring Benitez was a mistake,” Moratti told reporters at the presentation of Ivan Cordoba’s book.

“He is a great professional, but there is also a huge difference in terms of communication, character and rapport.

Former Milan and Inter Coach Leonardo Araujo has emerged as a surprise candidate to succeed Roma's Rudi Garcia if he is sacked.

A flurry of reports emerged yesterday suggesting that the French tactician was on the verge of being fired after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Milan.

Former Giallorossi Coach Luciano Spalletti is the favourite to take the reins, but Gazzetta dello Sport today threw Leonardo’s name into the hat.

Former Coach Leonardo tells Milan how to rebuild and has advice for Jose Mourinho. “Football has changed.”

He was a player, director and tactician for the Rossoneri, so knows the club inside out.

“For the past two or three years Milan have been going through a process of transformation. They are renewing and working to become great again,” he told calciomercato.com.

Leonardo sees Roma as Scudetto favourites, but Inter and Milan have given ‘important signals’.

The Brazilian has Coached both of the Milan sides, and gave his opinion on the title race at an event for Javier Zanetti’s charity foundation.

“Inter and Milan have given important signals, and overall that’s good for the League,” Leonardo told assembled media.

“They are two of the teams who will fight for the Scudetto. When you get into a rhythm it increases your chances.

Leonardo sees Inter as Scudetto contenders, believes Juventus will ‘recover’ and Roma are ‘the best team in the League’.

The Brazilian, who Coached the Nerazzurri and city rivals Milan, gave his thoughts after three rounds of the season in which the Beneamata have taken nine points.

“Inter are always Scudetto contenders,” Leonardo explained, speaking to Corriere dello Sport.

“Maybe they can go through bad times and lose matches, but they’ll always be that [contenders], it’s in their DNA.

Leonardo believes Juventus are in “a more comfortable position” being underdogs against Real Madrid.

The first leg of the Champions League semi-final kicks off in Turin tonight at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

“Juve are certainly not starting out as favourites against Real Madrid, but perhaps that puts them in a more comfortable position and they could get an important boost from that,” the Brazilian told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Leonardo is in Italy to take part in the Match for Expo charity event organised by Javier Zanetti.

Milan full-back Ignazio Abate has revealed he was close to joining Roma before Leonardo’s tenure on the Rossoneri bench.

Abate has been at San Siro since 1999, having graduated from the club’s youth system, but had spent time on loan with the likes of Empoli, Piacenza and Torino.

Adriano Galliani says he is still on good terms with Max Allegri and seeing him on the Juventus bench against Milan won’t be an issue.

This weekend will see the Rossoneri come up against their former Coach in the opposite dugout, since his appointment in the summer in Turin.

For Milan’s Vice-President, who did admit Antonio Conte could have been on the Milan bench this Week 3 too, there’s no problem in

Milan have confirmed the make-up of their coaching staff for the coming season, with Mauro Tassotti remaining as assistant.

There had been speculation the 54-year-old would leave his post following 13 years in the job, during which he has served under previous Coaches Carlo Ancelotti, Leonardo, Max Allegri and the recently sacked Clarence Seedorf.

Former Milan Coach Leonardo has wished Pippo Inzaghi the best of luck as the Rossoneri’s new boss.

The 40-year-old is set to replace Clarence Seedorf at the helm of the San Siro giants, with seemingly only the Dutchman’s departure from the club left to be resolved.