Chelsea 4-1 Arsenal
Sarri’s Chelsea travelled to Baku, Azerbaijan two nights ago, for a Europa League final clash with London rivals Arsenal.
While the Gunners required a victory to book their spot in next season’s Champions League, Chelsea had already done so, courtesy of a 3rd-placed Premier League finish.
Both sides, though, were looking for their first silverware of the campaign, with Maurizio Sarri in search of the first title of his career.
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – MAY 28: Maurizio Sarri, Manager of Chelsea kicks his cap in frustration during the Chelsea FC training session on the eve of the UEFA Europa League Final against Arsenal at Baku Olimpiya Stadion on May 28, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
And, when all was said and done, the Chelsea boss went on to put his trophy-less past firmly behind him, in emphatic fashion.
A dominant second-half display on the part of the Stamford Bridge outfit eventually saw goals from Eden Hazard (2), Olivier Giroud and Pedro lead the Blues to a comprehensive 4-1 win.
Juventus bound
However, despite it being less than 48 hours since Chelsea tasted victory in Baku, reports have already begun to mount that Sarri is all set for a departure from the club.
First, the reliable Gianluca Di Marzio stated yesterday that Sarri’s agent, Fali Ramadani, had flown to London for talks with the Chelsea hierarchy ‘to study an exit strategy’ to Juventus:
And, as per the aforementioned update from Alfredo Pedulla, who, according to Football-Italia, ‘is very close’ to Sarri, the Italian tactician’s move to Turin appears to have taken another huge step forward today.
This comes amid claims that a ‘positive’ meeting resulted in Chelsea agreeing to ‘free’ their boss from his position.