Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has likened Carlo Ancelotti to Sir Alex Ferguson.

De Laurentiis is confident Ancelotti – who became Napoli boss last summer – can emulate the Manchester United icon in terms of longevity.

“If I took on a Coach who loves the city, loves our training ground and who, according to his latest statements, wants to stay for eight years, I'd like him here for life, like Ferguson at United," the Partenopei President told reporters.

“For me, the Coach must be a point of reference for their club.

“They represent their club in its entirely because beyond the owners, there's also the sporting management, who are crucial because they're central to every football club."