Maurizio Sarri hits back at 'traitor' claims ahead of Juventus move

Photo/VanityFair Maurizio Sarri has hit back at criticism from Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne. The Chelsea coach is on the verge of signing a contract with Juventus and Insigne, who worked with the Italian during his time at the club, claimed this week that Sarri would be a traitor if he made the move to Turin, with Napoli and Juventus rivals in Serie A. Insigne said: “Sarri in Juventus for us Neapolitans would be a betrayal, and I hope he changes his mind. If he went to Juventus he would hurt us but I can’t blame him. It’s his decision.” Speaking to Vanity Fair, Sarri said: “Who is a traitor? Someone who backs out. It’s someone who gives precedence to individual objectives over collective ones. Therefore I prefer the front of a jersey, where the badge of a club lies. Behind it is the name of a player: that side interests me less. Kissing the shirt? Why deprive yourself of an act of love, in anticipation of what will happen perhaps 10 years later? Many players have switched Milan clubs. It would be better not to do it directly, but over the course of a career it can happen.” Sarri is currently waiting for the Italian side to agree on a £5m deal with Chelsea. In addition, the 60-year-old has taken charge of 19 clubs in total and has yet to stay more than three seasons at any of them.

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