Napoli have announced that former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has undergone heart surgery after being diagnosed with an arrhythmia.
Former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has undergone heart surgery in Rome after being diagnosed with an arrhythmia. But his club Lazio expect the 66-year-old to return to duty “within the next few days”.
The Italian chain smoker was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a condition in which his heart beats rapidly and erratically, and underwent catheter ablation surgery. This condition can cause fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath, and increases the risk of having a stroke.
“SS Lazio has confirmed that coach Maurzio Sarri underwent a catheter ablation procedure at the Tor Vergata clinic after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation,” a Lazio statement said. “The surgery performed by Professor Andrea Natale, an international pioneer with over 30 years of experience in this disease, yielded good results.”
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The former Napoli manager became famous for his Sarriball style of play and his persistent smoking during one season at Stamford Bridge. His stress levels were not helped by the loss to Manchester City in the 2019 Carabao Cup final, in which keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to come on as a substitute in the penalty shootout.
Sarri joined Juventus that summer, but was released after the season. He left Lazio in March 2025 and took a 15-month sabbatical before returning to the Roma club on a two-year contract in June.
Lazio sit eighth in Serie A at the winter break, despite a summer transfer ban due to financial issues. Assistant coach Marco Ianni will continue training until Sarri returns for the next Serie A match at home against champions Napoli on Sunday, January 4.
Lazio’s club statement added: “The manager plans to resume normal management of the team within the next few days.”
“SS Lazio and the coach would like to thank the Tor Vergata General Hospital and the team of Professor Natale for their professionalism and the high quality of care they guarantee to all their patients.”
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