Maurizio Sarri is looking forward to pitting his wits against Claudio Ranieri when Chelsea play Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Sarri has said in the build-up to the match that his fellow Italian has had a big influence on him.
Ranieri, who managed Chelsea between 2000 and 2004, also enjoyed a spell in charge of Fiorentina earlier in his career when Sarri first came into contact with him.
"Of course he was an inspiration," Sarri said of the 67-year-old former Leicester City boss. "I went to speak with him when he was the coach of Fiorentina, over 20 years ago maybe, and often to see training.
"I lived very near to Florence, very near to the stadium. I was a coach, maybe in Serie D. It was easy for me, because I was the coach of a little team near to Florence - Antella in the south part of Florence, very close to the training ground of Fiorentina.
"Usually a team of Claudio's is really very solid. They usually defend very well, sometimes low, but very well. He has a team dangerous at counter-attacks like in Leicester, but not only in Leicester."
Ranieri's first game as Fulham boss ended in a 3-2 victory against Southampton last Saturday and the Cottagers, 5/6 to be relegated this season, are 40/1 to beat Chelsea 1-0.
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Maurizio Sarri is looking forward to pitting his wits against Claudio Ranieri when Chelsea play Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Sarri has said in the build-up to the match that his fellow Italian has had a big influence on him.
Ranieri, who managed Chelsea between 2000 and 2004, also enjoyed a spell in charge of Fiorentina earlier in his career when Sarri first came into contact with him.
"Of course he was an inspiration," Sarri said of the 67-year-old former Leicester City boss. "I went to speak with him when he was the coach of Fiorentina, over 20 years ago maybe, and often to see training.
"I lived very near to Florence, very near to the stadium. I was a coach, maybe in Serie D. It was easy for me, because I was the coach of a little team near to Florence - Antella in the south part of Florence, very close to the training ground of Fiorentina.
"Usually a team of Claudio's is really very solid. They usually defend very well, sometimes low, but very well. He has a team dangerous at counter-attacks like in Leicester, but not only in Leicester."
Ranieri's first game as Fulham boss ended in a 3-2 victory against Southampton last Saturday and the Cottagers, 5/6 to be relegated this season, are 40/1 to beat Chelsea 1-0.
Source: bet365.com