Maurizio Sarri: Napoli fans tear down former Chelsea manager’s plaque in outrage at Juventus move

The Italian has caused controversy by joining his former club’s bitter rivals

Napoli fans have torn down a Maurizio Sarri’s plaque in his hometown in Naples in outrage at his move from Chelsea to Juventus.

The Italian spent a year in England after a highly successful spell at the San Paolo.

But just like Gonzalo Higuain’s move from Napoli to Turin, fans’ “hearts are crying” at the betrayal to join their rivals, despite the one-year gap.

A plaque, which read, “farewell, commander,” dedicated to the Italian at his birthplace has now been removed in response.

A statement on Facebook group Laboratorio Politico Iskra read: “We never wanted to confuse politics and support but our hearts are crying to read the bitterness of so many people, like us, who believed and had put their trust in someone to continue to believe in football.

“A trust that is regularly broken by market laws. When will we decide to no longer be client-subjects and will we begin to be consciously inhabitants and fans?

The plaque paying tribute to Sarri (@NapoliCFrance)

“How many more would we like to become attached to and then be disappointed by their choices?”

Sarri has penned a three-year deal at the Allianz Stadium and will coach Cristiano Ronaldo next term after claiming the Europa League with the Blues in his only season at Stamford Bridge.

Sarri has had his plaque removed in Naples (Laboratorio Politico Iskra)

A turbulent relationship with Blues supporters left Sarri struggling to extract changes to the squad that he desired.

But after persevering, Sarri earned the first major honour of his career in Baku against Arsenal. Now though, Sarri can expect a hostile reception when his Juve side play at Napoli next season.