MILAN – Benito ‘Benny’ Carbone was born in Bagnare Calabra in 1971. He made 43 appearances for Inter and scored four goals in the 1996/97 season, his only meaningful campaign for the Nerazzurri. He lost his Calabrian accent for good in England, where he spent six seasons, beginning with a spell at Sheffield Wednesday. People here at Inter still remember the day he was sold, his questions about the world of English football that he would go on to discover. “I currently work for Leeds, I’m in charge of the technical side and the youth academy. And I’m the Under-21 coach. I live in Leeds and I’m really happy.”

His best feeling was his debut for the Nerazzurri and you can see why. “Years later, the Nerazzurri shirt was the one that gave me the greatest satisfaction, pulling it on was a dream come true as a Interista from a family of Inter fans.”

Regrets?
“At the time I took a very hasty and risky step in leaving. My regret was that I didn’t stay with the Nerazzurri, I had another four years left on my contract, I could have stayed as it was the club I support.”

You’ve got special memories of the San Siro…
“I remember the boos at the San Siro, which weren’t directed at me but at our opponents. For example the deafening boos in the derby. It’s an amazing stadium, one of the best in the world. I’m delighted to have run out on that pitch.”

Who will win the World Cup?
“Brazil because they’re a very competitive team and they’re playing at home. I still hope that we Italians put on a good show.”