Cape Town – Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri is keen to continue working with Marco Ianni but will wait to hear from the FA before making a decision on his second assistant.
Ianni, who was also part of Sarri's coaching staff at Napoli, landed a conduct charge on Monday for his behaviour during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian celebrated wildly in front of the United dugout after Ross Barkley scored a 96th-minute equaliser to preserve the Blues' unbeaten start in the Premier League this season.
Ianni sparked a tunnel fracas as Jose Mourinho attempted to confront him, although the Red Devils boss revealed in his post-match press conference that the 32-year-old had apologised for his actions.
Sarri confirmed that the club have accepted the FA charge, but feels his compatriot deserves a second chance for showing remorse.
“First of all, as I said after the match, we were wrong,” he said. “I was there when Marco spoke to Mourinho. He said sorry immediately. It was really very important that he realised he was wrong.
“I want to give him another opportunity because I know the man very well, and I know that he was really sorry. He realised the mistake. Everybody can make a mistake, but you need to learn. I think he will be able to do it.
“For the FA, I don't know. I have no experience here of this, but we were wrong, so we have to accept the consequences.
“If I want to give him another opportunity, the opportunity will be full. But I don't know, I want to respect the decision of the FA, and then we will decide.”
