Maurizio Sarri had an agreement with Chelsea in March last season, it has been claimed.

Furio Valcareggi, who takes care of former Napoli midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini, now with Chievo, made the claim on Radio Crc today.

Napoli appointed Carlo Ancelotti over the summer, with Sarri eventually terminating his contract by mutual consent so he could join Chelsea.

But Valcareggi says: “I knew in March that Sarri had been dismissed and a friend of mine who works in England told me, 'you'll see he'll come to London.' The President had already decided not to continue with Sarri, then put on a bit of a show.

“Ancelotti was courted in the most incredible way to take the Italy job by Alessandro Costacurta, but if you are in charge of this Nazionale, it's very tough to win anything."