De Laurentiis: Sarri can be Napoli's Ferguson

Maurizio Sarri can become Napoli's Alex Ferguson and remain with the Partenopei for life, according to president Aurelio De Laurentiis. The 58-year-old was a surprise replacement for Rafael Benitez in June 2015 but the former Empoli boss has turned Napoli into Serie A title contenders. In his 95 matches in charge, Sarri has won 61 in all competitions - losing only 16 - and for a second successive season they are challenging in the higher reaches of the table. Such is Sarri's impact at San Paolo, De Laurentiis says he has a job for as long as he wants. "What pleases me is that my intuition with Sarri was right," he told Il Mattino. "When I got him from Empoli I saw banners that challenged the choice. But I had always been convinced of having selected the right option. "He will be the coach of Napoli for much longer, because he has a multi-year contract with a clause which only comes into effect next year. "This is his home, for me he can remain living in Naples for life and can decide take on a 'Ferguson' role."