Maurizio Sarri set for Italy return as Chelsea and Juventus agree deal for Europa League-winning boss
Maurizio Sarri is set for a return to Italy with Juventus.
Chelsea and the serial Serie A winners agreed a deal late on Thursday which could see the Italian return to his homeland by the end of the week.
The deal is said to earn Chelsea a £5million windfall as the ninth permanent manager under Roman Abramovich leaves the club.
And the move could, according to reports, see former Blues legend Frank Lampard return to Stamford Bridge as manager.
Sarri, 60, lifted the Europa League with Chelsea - who beat London rivals Arsenal 4-1 in the Baku final.
It was the former Napoli manager’s first trophy in the role, despite earning an impressive reputation for his ‘Sarri-ball’ style which saw the Italians challenge Juve for the league title.
His move to Chelsea, complemented by the signing of trusted lieutenant Jorginho, was set to be his big step up.
But after a number of early wins, the wheels started to come off the Chelsea wagon as fans became disillusioned with team tactics and selection.
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One of the most prevalent issues was the persistent selection of Italy international Jorginho which led to playing two-time Premier League winner N’Golo Kante out of position.
It culminated in goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, signed for a world record £71million last summer, refusing to be substituted in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.
That humiliating episode eventually ended in a questionable explanation, but after a penalty shootout defeat in that final, the west London club motored on to a third place finish.
His departure for next season appears certain now, which throws their plans into disarray ahead of a transfer ban.
The Blues were banned from making signings for the next two windows after being found guilty of breaching rules relating to the signings of foreign minors.
While they appeal the ban, there was no application to freeze it - meaning it could set in this summer.
And Chelsea have just lost star man Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, which will pose the next manager a number of headaches.
That next man appears to be Lampard, still in his managerial infancy, following reports he met with the club and he is their number one target.
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