Napoli replace Maurizio Sarri with Carlo Ancelotti

Napoli have confirmed the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti on a two-year deal after effectively parting company with Maurizio Sarri.

The Partenopei, who finished second in Serie A this season with a record points tally, decided to stop talks with Sarri over a new contract.

Ancelotti's arrival at the Stadio San Paolo - his first job in his native Italy since departing AC Milan nine years ago - paves the way for the man he succeeds to potentially join Chelsea.

Sarri has been widely tipped to replace Antonio Conte in West London, while Zenit St Petersburg are also understood to have made their interest known.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to post a statement thanking the outgoing boss for his work over the past three years.

"I thank Maurizio Sarri for his precious dedication to Calcio Napoli that allowed us to give the city and all Azzurri fans over the world prestige and emotions, creating a style of football admired everywhere and by everyone. Bravo Maurizio," he said.

Ancelotti, who has been out of work since being sacked by Bayern Munich in September, won the FA Cup and Premier League during a two-season stint with Chelsea.