Chelsea: Frank Lampard 'commands respect' at club says Nicol
That is the revelation of Italian football expert Gianluca di Marzio.
Sarri’s future has long been a subject of discussion given his general lack of popularity at Stamford Bridge.
And despite leading Chelsea to a third-placed finish in the Premier League this season, with a Europa League final showdown against Arsenal to come in Baku next Wednesday, Sarri is set to be relieved of his duties by owner Roman Abramovich after a year at the club even if he wins the tournament.
Di Marzio claim that Chelsea will replace Sarri with club legend Lampard in a move that will go down well with fans.
Lampard has a final of his own to look forward to with his Derby County team taking on Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final next Monday at Wembley.
The 40-year-old is in his first season as a manager following a glittering 21-year playing career which included 13 years with Chelsea.
Lampard departed the Blues in 2014 after becoming the club’s all-time top goalscorer with 211 goals in 648 matches.
But it is thought he could be set to return in what will be just his second year as a head coach by replacing Sarri.
Roman Abramovich is tipped to sack Maurizio Sarri after May 29 (Image: GETTY)
Maurizio Sarri could take over at Juventus if he is sacked (Image: GETTY)
Frank Lampard has taken to Derby to the Championship play-off final (Image: GETTY)
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Frank Lampard remains immensely popular at Stamford Bridge (Image: GETTY)
Chelsea legend to return as Roman Abramovich gets set to announce Maurizio Sarri decision
Chelsea legend to return as Roman Abramovich gets set to announce Maurizio Sarri decision
Di Marzio further adds that Sarri may not be out of work long, as he is being considered by perennial Serie A champions Juventus to replace the outgoing Max Allegri.
Juve wrapped up their eighth straight league title last weekend but have parted ways with Allegri after five years, which yielded domestic domination but a lack of success in Europe as the Old Lady chase a first Champions League triumph since 1996.
Di Marzio report that Sarri and Lazio manager Simone Inzhaghi, who won the Coppa Italia with the Biancocelesti, are under consideration to replace Allegri and that Inzhagi has already held talks with Juve director Fabio Paratici.
Chelsea made a huge effort to land Sarri only 12 months ago when they parted ways with Antonio Conte.
The west London club are thought to have paid a £57m fee to prise Sarri and Jorginho from Napoli, although the Italian coach had already left the Serie A side.
Roman Abramovich could let go of Sarri due to his unpopularity with fans and players (Image: GETTY)
Maurizio Sarri could be axed after just 12 months (Image: GETTY)
Chelsea: Pundits discuss chances of Sarri being SACKED
Frank Lampard could replace Maurizio Sarri (Image: GETTY)
Lampard has never hid his affiliation with Chelsea and was afforded an emotional return to the club as Derby boss in the Carabao Cup back in October, with the home fans unveiling a banner that read: “Forever a blue, forever a legend.”
Speaking in February, however, he played down reports of talk of cutting ties with Derby to go back to Chelsea.
Lampard told theDaily Star: "Does it affect me? Absolutely not because I have a three-year contract here.
“I am planning for pre-season, I am planning recruitment in the summer, and planning before that getting promoted, if we can.
“Having played for Chelsea for 13 years, and the link I have with them will go on forever.
“It possibly means if Chelsea have their moments, which we all know they have had there, then I am an easy link. So was Zinedine Zidane before he took the Real Madrid job.”
Should he return, Lampard would also likely look to take former Chelsea player and academy coach Jody Morris with him.
Morris has served as the former England international’s assistant at Pride Park.