Renzo Ulivieri, the head of the Italian Coaches' Association, believes Rafael Benitez is right in asking for backing from Inter.

Benitez risked the wrath of club president Massimo Moratti by issuing a 'back me or sack me' ultimatum following the Nerazzurri's 3-0 win over TP Mazembe in the final of the Club World Cup on Saturday.

And while the Italian media think it may have backfired with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting Moratti has decided to sack the Spaniard, Ulivieri has backed Benitez's stance.

"Benitez has always been calm and civil," Ulivieri told La Repubblica.

"He has my support but he doesn't need it because he can stand on his own two feet, he is a world club champion.

"If he asks for respect it's because obviously he has been lacking it.

"He has only asked for normal things."

Benitez has come under fire recently with Inter lying seventh in Serie A a season after claiming the Scudetto as well as the Coppa Italia and Champions League crowns under his predecessor Jose Mourinho.

It remains to be seen if his time is up but reports in Italy suggest Zenit St Petersburg boss Luciano Spalletti is the number one candidate to take over.

Moratti refused to answer questions regarding Benitez's future today.

He said on the club's official website, www.inter.it: "I will not speak today.

"I do not wish to create any controversies with anyone."