Chelsea finally ends managerial saga with hiring of Maurizio Sarri

Chelsea finally dismissed doomed manager Antonio Conte on Friday, and wasted little time in confirming his replacement.

The Blues announced Saturday that former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri has, as expected, been appointed as the club's new head coach.

Sarri spent three years in charge of the Partenopei after replacing Rafa Benitez in June 2015, and never finished lower than third in Serie A with the club. His side threatened to end Juventus' hegemony over the league last season but ultimately finished four points adrift of the Bianconeri.

Now, he will be tasked with restoring Chelsea to its past heights after Conte's second season in London did not go according to plan, despite achieving FA Cup glory.

The Blues finished fifth in the Premier League last term, missing out on Champions League qualification as a result, and were knocked out in the last 16 of that competition back in March.

Sarri will also be working with a familiar face in his first season on the touchline at Stamford Bridge. The west London club sealed the signing of midfielder Jorginho - a widely reported target for Manchester City. The Italian passing savant was revealed, along with his coach, Saturday after plenty of speculation over his future.