Antonio Conte becomes Chelsea’s FIFTH Italian manager — so what can the Blues expect?
SunSport runs the rule over the newly-confirmed head coach before he takes the reins
Antonio Conte has been confirmed as Chelsea’s new full-time manager on a three-year deal, starting this summer.
The Italian boss, 46, has been in charge of the Azzurri national team since 2014 and will lead them in the European Championships in France this summer.
Prior to the Italy gig, Conte was in charge at Juventus — winning the Serie A title in all three of his seasons in Turin.
But how will he adjust to life in the Premier League?
There’s plenty to go on; after all, Chelsea have already had four bosses from Italy in the Premier League era.
How did his compatriots fare as the Stamford Bridge boss? SunSport investigates, judging them a HIT or a MISS.
GIANLUCA VIALLI: 1998-2000
Vialli was the first Italian to boss in the Premier League, full stop, let alone Chelsea.
In just two-and-a-half-years, he led the Blues to the League Cup title, two FA Cups, a Cup Winner’s Cup and European Super Cup glory.
Despite his massive success he was sacked and replaced by compatriot Claudio Ranieri.
VERDICT: No doubt. HIT.
CLAUDIO RANIERI: 2000-04
The now-Leicester boss is set to bring the most unlikely of all Premier League titles to the Foxes...
Who’d have thought that just 12 months ago when the team he would take over were dead last in the top flight and seven points away from escaping the clutches of the relegation zone.
Despite his roaring success this term, Ranieri never brought a major trophy to Stamford Bridge.
He led Chelsea to their first Champions League semi-final in his final season, eliminating Arsenal’s Invincibles along the way.
Other than that, despite bringing a new high-quality brand of football to West London, he was sacked in favour of... Jose Mourinho.
VERDICT: The jury’s out, but ultimately, Roman Abramovich expects trophies. With a heavy heart... MISS.
CARLO ANCELOTTI: 2009-2011
For starters, Ancelotti got off to a flier at Stamford Bridge — bagging a Premier League-FA Cup double.
However, his failings in Europe and a barren second season sparked the end of the Italian’s tenure — to be replaced by Andre Villas-Boas.
VERDICT: One top season, one flop? But doing the double probably warrants an overall... HIT.
ROBERTO DI MATTEO: 2012
Former Blues playing legend Di Matteo replaced Villas-Boas after just nine months in charge — promptly creating history.
The Italian won the FA Cup and finally brought home the Holy Grail for the Blues... The Champions League crown.
He was still sacked just months later... You just can’t please some owners.
VERDICT: Champions League win? No question. HIT.
Of course, it’s hard to say in any certainty how Conte will fare in the top flight.
Many come over to these shores with much expected of them — both players and managers.
Some flop. Some thrive.
Either way, Chelsea have form with Italian bosses, and let’s be honest, they’ve all done rather well...