Chelsea have confirmed that an agreement has been reached for Maurizio Sarri to leave the club and join Juventus as their new manager with immediate effect.
The 60-year-old still had two years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge - signed just last summer - but emerged as the leading contender for the Juve job in recent weeks following the departure of Massimiliano Allegri.
The Blues endured a topsy-turvy season in the Premier League under Sarri's stewardship but eventually managed to finish third, albeit 26 points behind champions Manchester City.
Sarri did leave Chelsea with silverware courtesy of a Europa League victory over Arsenal last month but made it clear to the club's hierarchy after the game that he wished to return to his homeland.
In a statement, Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: "In talks we had following the Europa League final, Maurizio made it clear how strongly he desired to return to his native country, explaining that his reasons for wanting to return to work in Italy were significant. He also believed it important to be nearer his family, and for the well-being of his elderly parents he felt he needed to live closer to them at this point.
"Maurizio leaves Chelsea with thanks from us all for the work he and his assistants did during the season he spent as our head coach, and for winning the Europa League, guiding us to another cup final and a third-place finish in the Premier League. We would also like to congratulate him on securing the role as big as any in Serie A and to wish him the best of luck for the future."
Sarri has penned a three-year deal with the Old Lady, committing him to the club until June 2022, and will turn his attentions to winning an unprecedented ninth consecutive Serie A title.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are thought to have club legend and Derby County manager Frank Lampard at the top of their wishlist to replace Sarri, with Didier Drogba tipped to join his coaching staff.
Earlier today Chelsea also confirmed that assistant manager Gianfranco Zola has left the club.
Neil Wilkes
