10 Dec Ancelotti sacked by Napoli hours after Champions League qualification

Napoli has parted ways with manager Carlo Ancelotti despite the club qualifying for the Champions League Round of 16.

Ancelotti, 60, has been removed from his post after an ongoing in-house squabble with owner and president Aurelio De Laurentiis which has ultimately prompted the sacking.

The decision comes just hours after the Naples outfit defeated Belgian side Genk 4-0 in the Champions League to progress to the knockout phase of Europe’s elite club competition.

However, the Partenopei’s domestic form has been subpar of late, failing to win in their last seven outings while dropping to seventh on the Serie A table.

A club statement read: “SSC Napoli has taken the decision to part ways with first-team coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“The friendship and mutual respect between the club, President Aurelio De Laurentiis and Carlo Ancelotti remain intact.”

SSC Napoli has taken the decision to part ways with first-team coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The friendship and mutual respect between the club, President Aurelio De Laurentiis and Carlo Ancelotti remain intact.

— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) December 10, 2019

Ancelotti’s demise comes amid mounting pressure and a sort of civil war with De Laurentiis.

Reports are suggesting that the former Real Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich boss has emerged as a target for Arsenal who recently sacked Unai Emery and currently have Freddie Ljungberg as caretaker coach.

Ancelotti's sudden sacking means the Gunners could expedite their pursuit of the Champions League, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Premier League and FA Cup winner.