Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 8y

Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri signs new deal after reaching Champions League

Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri has confirmed he has signed a new contract with the Serie A club.

Sarri agreed a one-year deal when he became coach last summer, arriving from Empoli, with the Azzurri having an option to extend that arrangement.

Having guided the club to second spot in Serie A and a place in next season's Champions League, Sarri has convinced president Aurelio De Laurentiis to activate that option.

"De Laurentiis has given me a satisfactory contract with a hugely generous gesture," Sarri told Radio Kiss Kiss.

"I appreciate it. I'm honoured from every point of view. The president did not have to [improve the terms], and the fact I'm here coaching at this level is down to him. His generosity makes me feel part of a family."

Sarri said he was looking forward to making his debut in Europe, adding: "It still sounds strange, and it's hard for me to imagine going into a Champions League match.

"When that anthem sounds at the San Paolo, it's going to multiply the effect, like it will to hear our fans singing it."

Meanwhile, AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has praised Sarri, saying he had been a candidate to take charge of the Rossoneri last summer.

Milan eventually appointed Sinisa Mihajlovic as coach last year following a disappointing season under Filippo Inzaghi.

Berlusconi also singled out Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain for praise, and said he hoped Napoli would go on to win the Champions League.

Mediaset reported him as saying: "I've got to pay my compliments to Sarri.

"It's true that he was one of the candidates we had considered to become our coach last year.

"Napoli have played some great football this season. Congratulations to them and to their extraordinary fans."

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