Rafael Benitez confirmed as Napoli manager

Rafael Benitez has officially been confirmed as the new Napoli manager by the club's president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Napoli have moved swiftly to replace former boss Walter Mazzarri, who ended a three-and-half-year spell at the San Paolo last week to join Inter Milan.

Benitez completed an interim spell in charge of Chelsea on Saturday following a two-game friendly tour of the United States.

De Laurentiis used Twitter this evening to confirm that Benitez has signed a deal to become head coach of the Italian giants, with his commitment to the Blues finished.

He tweeted: "Rafa Benitez is the new coach of Napoli. A man of great international experience. A leader."

Benitez has experience of coaching in Serie A, albeit in a turbulent six-month spell with Inter.

The 53-year-old spent nearly two years out of management following his time with Inter, before repairing his reputation at Chelsea with Europa League success and a top-three finish.