Chelsea’s boss Maurizio Sarri is under intense pressure at Stamford Bridge after dramatic decline in form since the turn of the year and the Italian is expected to be sacked if Chelsea are beaten by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup this weekend, with Roma the likely destination.
Roma have reportedly approached the Italian with a view to him managing the club next season as Gianfranco Zola is being lined up as a potential caretaker manager for the Blues until the summer, with Zinedine Zidane and Frank Lampard eyed as long-term solutions.
According to Sky Sports, Roma are interested in appointing Sarri ahead of the 2019/20 campaign after a concerning run of form under current boss Eusebio Di Francesco.
However, Sarri has denied holding discussions with Roma officials about swapping Stamford Bridge for Stadio Olimpico.
Sarri was quizzed on the reported approach following Chelsea’s Europa League victory over Malmo, telling BT Sport. “No, I have a contract with Chelsea for the next two seasons so it is impossible to have another contract.
“I read in an Italian newspaper something about a meeting with Franco Baldini but I think for the moment Franco is in South Africa so it is very difficult.”
The 60-year-old is still highly regarded in Serie A after leading Napoli to successive top-four finishes from 2015/16 to 2017/18.
Chelsea players now expect Sarri to be given his marching orders if they are beaten by City at Wembley on Sunday. This means Zola could be in charge when the Blues host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday.
Chelsea won 3-0 with Olivier Giroud, Ross Barkley and Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring after a ponderous first half which did little to assauge the home fans following Monday’s disappointing FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.
Sarri warned a repeat of the sluggish start would result in a slaughter at the hands of Manchester City in Sunday’s EFL Cup final.
“It will be a disaster,” he predicted in his post-match news conference.