Napoli’s appointment of Carlo Ancelotti is akin to “signing Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo”, according to former Italy international Demetrio Albertini.
Despite pushing serial winners Juventus close in the 2017-18 title race, a change in the dugout has been overseen in Naples.
Maurizio Sarri is moving on - with Goal revealing that Chelsea are closing in on his signature - and Napoli have wasted little time in appointing proven winner Ancelotti as his successor.
The former Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain boss brings a wealth of experience with him to the role, as well as an impressive CV which includes titles in Italy, Spain, England, Germany and France as well as three Champions League crowns.
Albertini, who worked with Ancelotti at AC Milan, considers him to be quite the coup, telling Il Mattino: “Getting Ancelotti is like signing Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
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“He will bring the kind of balance that is needed in a city that at times can get a bit swept up in events. Napoli lost the title because they lacked balance.
“The Azzurri were never inferior to Juventus, but they dropped points along the way and those who have experience of these phases in a campaign know those are the points that prove decisive in the long run.
“I’m sure Carlo will be able to handle the pressure and keep everyone motivated in an environment that can lose its way in a flood of enthusiasm. He can adapt to any circumstances and will bring new ideas not just on the pitch, but also in dealing with the fans and media.
“In that sense, I really think Ancelotti can make a big difference, because we all know at Napoli they get very excited and then very depressed.
“The important thing is that Carlo came to Napoli to win, not just to do well.”
Ancelotti has agreed a three-year contract with Napoli, with that deal bringing him back to his homeland after nine years spent filling some of the biggest posts in European football.
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