Chelsea have confirmed Maurizio Sarri as their new head coach.

The Italian has signed a three-year deal with the Stamford Bridge side and will replace Antonio Conte, who was sacked on Friday.

It was confirmed that he was closing in on a move to the Premier League side, with the delay due to a disagreement over the compensation that the Blues needed to pay Napoli to release him from his deal with the Serie A outfit.

Chelsea are already a week into their pre-season training, but the 59-year-old is eager to get started in his new post.

"I look forward to starting work and meeting the players on Monday ahead of travelling to Australia, where I will be able to get to know the squad and begin our match action," he told the club's official website.

"I hope we can provide some entertaining football for our fans, and that we will be competing for trophies at the end of the season, which is what this club deserves."

The Blues, meanwhile, are hopeful that he can employ an expansive brand of football to thrill supporters.