Sven-Goran Eriksson has advised his former club Sampdoria to recruit Rafa Benitez as their new manager.

The former Liverpool boss has been tipped to take over from Giuseppe Iachini after the Italian club secured their return to Serie A following a year in Italy's second tier.

The Blucerchiati are understood to be looking for a big-name coach to make their a force in the top flight once again, and Eriksson believes that Benitez fits the bill.

"Sampdoria should always be protagonists, because they're a great club. I think it would be right to bet on Benitez," the former England coach told Radio Babboleo News.

"[Benitez is] a great name [and] a great coach."

Eriksson managed Sampdoria between 1992 and 1997, winning the Coppa Italia before leaving to join Lazio.