Antonio Conte sacked as manager of Chelsea with Maurizio Sarri to become new Blues boss

Chelsea have sacked manager Antonio 

Conte.

The Italian was informed of his departure on Thursday, with former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri set to replace him.

Antonio Conte has left Chelsea after two years in charge

Conte was appointed as Chelsea manager in the summer of 2016, leaving his role as Italy head coach to take the job at Stamford Bridge.

He enjoyed a hugely successful first season in English football, leading the London club to the Premier League title.

CONTE FACTFILE

ANTONIO CONTEDoB: 31/07/69Born: Lecce, Italy

THE PLAYER

Lecce (1985-1991)

Juventus (1991-2004) – Serie A (x5), Coppa Italia, Champions League, UEFA Cup

Italy (1994-2000) – 20 caps

THE MANAGER

Arezzo (2006-07)

Bari (2007-09) – Serie B

Atalanta (2009-10)

Siena (2010-11)

Juventus (2011-14) – Serie A (x3), Supercoppa Italiana (x2)

Italy (2014-16)

Chelsea (2016-18) – Premier League, FA Cup

However, the Blues mounted a miserable defence of their title last season, finishing fifth.

They did end the 2017/18 campaign on a high by winning the FA Cup but there was intense speculation over Conte’s future throughout the campaign.

The 48-year-old is understood to have angered the Chelsea hierarchy with critical comments about the club’s recruitment policy.

Antonio Conte won two major trophies in his time at Stamford Bridge

Conte returned to Chelsea’s training ground on Monday for the start of pre-season and has been putting the squad through their paces all this week.

But he was summoned to a meeting on Thursday and told his services are no longer required.

Former Napoli boss Sarri is expected to be appointed as his successor.

Sarri led Napoli to a record points total last season as they finished a narrow second in Serie A behind champions Juventus.

But he was replaced as manager of the Italian club by Carlo Ancelotti in May.

Maurizio Sarri left Napoli after three years in May

Despite being axed by Napoli, Sarri remained under contract with the club and they have been seeking a compensation figure from Chelsea to allow him to join the Blues.

Their president Aurelio de Laurentiisrevealed on Wednesday that an agreement was close.

“We are in the finishing line,” said De Laurentiis. “Now it depends on [Sarri] and Chelsea.

“The Sarri affair is nearly at its conclusion, it all depends on him. My lawyers have submitted papers to his lawyers.”

The agreement with Chelsea now looks to have been finalised, with Conte’s exit paving the way for Sarri to take over at Stamford Bridge.