Napoli Owner Hoping For Sarri Failure At Juventus

By Max Wise

Napoli’s controversial owner, Aurelio de Laurentiis, hopes newly appointed Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri fails to deliver trophies at the Italian champions.

Sarri was appointed as Juventus manager on Sunday on a three-year deal, ending his relatively successful year-long spell in charge of Chelsea where he won a first ever trophy as a manager in the shape of the Europa League.

Prior to taking over at Chelsea, Sarri enjoyed a successful three-year spell in charge of Napoli under De Laurentiis’ ownership as he led the Naples-based club to two second place finishes in Serie A.

Sarri’s decision to join Juventus has irked a number of Napoli supporters as they feel betrayed for his association with a rival club.

The downside of Sarri’s reign at Napoli was his inability to win them a trophy and De Laurentiis hopes the 60-year-old, despite taking charge of a Juventus side that have won the last eight Serie A tiles and boasts Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, will have a similar barren spell at the Allianz Stadium just as he did at the San Paolo.

“Maurizio is good, I saw a lot of him. I am not surprised [about his Juve move], football is no longer a world of icons and loyalty. He didn’t win anything here and maybe he will not win anything in Turin. He is a rival, I can only wish him this,” he told Corriere della Sera.

“I am for freedom, therefore, I respect his choice. Everyone does what he wants but assumes responsibility. I never believed in Sarri’s absolute love and time has proved me right.”

“I often repeat that I am for monogamy, I believe in marriage and I have been at Napoli for 15 years, even though a part of the supporters tried to hinder me. The arguments are there and the most important thing is to remain faithful to the cause and to love the colours. My choice is a choice of the heart and remains so,” De Laurentiis added.