Reports have just emerged that Chelsea have sacked Antonio Conte with compatriot Maurizio Sarri expected to replace the Italian at Stamford Bridge.
Conte spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge, guiding the Blues to the Premier League title in his first season in England.
His second campaign was less impressive, slumping to a fifth place finish but winning the FA Cup, and the season was marred by constant tension between himself and the Chelsea board.
The west London club have been locked in talks with Napoli over a compensation package for Sarri since the end of the season, with the Serie A club initially demanding £7million despite already appointing Carlo Ancelotti as his successor.
However, the Blues have since reached a breakthrough with the Italian club and have combined a deal for Sarri with Napoli midfielder Jorginho.
Conte took charge of Chelsea’s first pre-season training session this week but the Italian has now left the club according to widespread reports.
Chelsea are believed to have dismissed Conte, as well as the remainder of his backroom staff.
Conte had been linked with a host of jobs – from Real Madrid to the Italian national team – before finally getting sacked by Chelsea, who had hoped to avoid a hefty pay-off.
His replacement, Sarri, finished just four points behind Serie A champions Juventus in the Scudetto race and the side were praised for their sparkling, attacking football.
Details obtained from Skysports and Metro
