Former player Marco Materazzi slams Rafael Benitez's management style

Benitez managed the former Nerazzurri defender after he succeeded Jose Mourinho at the helm of the Serie A club in 2010, but the experience was unsatisfying for both parties.

Benitez was sacked after six months while Materazzi - who enjoyed a close relationship with Mourinho - was marginalised from the setup.

And the experience clearly still rankles with the one-time Everton defender - who took the opportunity to make a number of jabs at Benitez, whose future at Real Madrid is currently the subject of much speculation following their 4-0 loss to Barcelona in the Clasico.

The Italy international joked that Napoli, who are in the title race this season after Maurizio Sarri replaced Benitez in the summer, look much better now they have a new manager in charge.

“The real novelty is that Napoli have a coach now,” Materazzi said, as reported by Calciomercato.com.

“On Saturday I was watching the Clasico and I felt the same as Cristiano Ronaldo, [Steven] Gerrard, [John] Terry and Paolo Cannavaro.

“They are all people with personality who couldn't get along with this guy [Benitez].”

On Wednesday Materazzi went on the offensive again, publishing a post on his Instagram profile in which he attacked Benitez.

“The respect of your players, especially those who aren't playing the most, is worth more than any victory. Learn!” he said.