Chelsea identify Antonio Conte replacement?

Napoli head coach Maurizio Sarri has emerged as a surprise candidate to takeover the reigns from Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge.

Conte has endured a mixed second season with the Premier League holders, and the Blues are presently nine points adrift of table-toppers Manchester City in fifth place.

A recent report from The Sun suggested that the players are not entirely happy with the manager's extensive training sessions, and Conte has since stressed that he does not fear getting the sack.

According to Italian outlet 7 Gold, Conte's job could be under threat with Sarri identified as a potential successor for the Blues managerial role.

Sarri, 58, has managed as many as 18 clubs during his 27-year coaching career, and he is presently the coach of Serie A toppers Napoli, whom he joined in the summer of 2015.

Conte has previously complained about the lack of sufficient first-team options, but his job remains safe in west London so long as the Blues retain their winning streak across all competitions.