Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis was ready to SACK Carlo Ancelotti this week, it has been revealed.

The movie mogul wanted to dump Ancelotti over the ritiro revolt - but was talked out of it by his lawyers.

That's according to the Gazzetta dello Sport, which report the president was furious over the situation to such an extent that he considered getting rid of Ancelotti only hours after the Champions League draw against RB Salzburg.

De Laurentiis believes Ancelotti has lost the dressing room - and can't see how the coach can win back the respect of his players.

He was eventually talked down by his lawyers, who asked the patron to reflect for a time before making any decisions.