Carlo Ancelotti Set To Become Napoli Manager, Wants Andrea Pirlo As Assistant

Carlo Ancelotti is set to return to management as he's in line to become the new Napoli manager.

The veteran Italian gaffer has been out of work following his sacking at Bayern Munich in 2017.

But reports in Italy suggest Ancelotti has reached an agreement with Napoli, replacing Maurizio Sarri in the process who remains heavily linked with the Chelsea post.

Despite winning the FA Cup, Antonio Conte remains subject to intense speculation.

Ancelotti has reportedly signed a two-year deal with the Serie A outfit, while further reports claim he'll pocket £5.27 million a season.

He was also in the running for the Italy job until the Italian FA opted for ex-Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini.

What's more, the 58-year-old wants one of his former players part of his backroom staff.

Enter; Andrea Pirlo.

The 39-year-old played under Ancelotti at AC Milan.

He's now seeking an opportunity into football management with Ancelotti prepared to table him his first gig.

Meanwhile, English outlet The Guardian report that Sarri is keeping tabs on a Zenit St Petersburg's offer.

While Chelsea are reportedly eyeing up his managerial services, the Premier League club will have to fend off competition from the Russians who also want him to take charge of their side.

Napoli finished second in the Serie A, four points behind Juventus, and after beating Crotone 2-1 on the final day of the season, Sarri commented on his future:

"Everything in life ends and it is better to finish things after writing a beautiful story. I don't know if I will stay, I have to talk about it with my family.

"The situation is complicated. You can't say you're ready to go and try again with this squad when you don't know that everyone will remain here. I don't know if the club will manage to keep the players who have release clauses when offers will come in from big clubs. What I do think is that I could not go directly to another Italian team, and that if I had to make a change I would prefer to go abroad."

Official word on Ancelotti to Napoli is expected shortly.

Topics: Football News, Football, Carlo Ancelotti, Andrea Pirlo, Napoli

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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