Antonio Conte had a spectactualr fall out with Diego Costa (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea intend to use a text sent to Diego Costa by Antonio Conte as a key point of evidence against the Italian in court, according to reports.

Conte was axed by Chelsea on Friday after two years in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The former Juventus boss won the Premier League in his first season and then the FA Cup at the end of a disappointing second campaign.

However issues have been brewing at the club ever since Conte informed star striker Costa via text his services were no longer required last summer.


Sky Sports claim Conte and Chelsea are set to go to war in court and the club will claim the head coach alienated players and failed to communicate with the Blues’ hierarchy.



Conte had one year left on his Chelsea deal and is due a £9million compensation fee from his former employers. Conte has begun the process of receiving his £9m pay-out and will dispute Chelsea’s claims.

Costa was axed at the request of Conte last summer (Picture: Getty)

The Italian returned to kick off Chelsea’s pre-season last week (Picture: Getty)

The message sent to Costa will be used as a key piece of evidence by both sides as Chelsea look to establish the 48-year-old’s actions breached the terms of his contract.

Chelsea are set to appoint Maurizio Sarri as Conte’s replacement with the former Napoli boss agreeing to become the Blues’ next head coach.

Sarri flew into London as Conte’s exit was confirmed and signed his own deal with the club on Friday.

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Maurizio Sarri will be Chelsea’s next manager (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola will also join the coaching staff as Sarri’s assistant.

Sarri could be confirmed before the end of the weekend, and the club will want to move as quickly as possible as Chelsea players have already begun their pre-season.

MORE: What Chelsea statement on Antonio Conte reveals about the Italian’s acrimonious exit

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MORE: Chelsea slammed for lacking class after releasing 52-word statement on Antonio Conte’s sacking