Ancelotti See off The Blues and Gunner With Italian Club

Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti believes English football "is not very well", and has suggested the Blues and Arsenal will struggle in their Champions League ties against Italian teams.

After both Manchester clubs were sent tumbling out of the competition in the group stage, the Italian tactician insists English clubs are in a weak position heading into the knockout phase.

Ancelotti, who recently stated his desire to return to Premier League management, says Serie A's sixth-placed Napoli will go into their clash against Chelsea as favourites.

"They are balanced matches with the Italians as favourites," Ancelotti told The Sun. "Italian football has made steps forward and after the elimination of City and United, English football is not very well.

"Napoli can play Chelsea as equals. Napoli have already had a little difficult period, but it seems they're getting back on track."

Ancelotti, who won the Champions League twice as AC Milan boss, believes the Serie A powerhouse will comfortably account for Arsenal in the round of 16.

"I am a Milan fan, so I find it hard to be rational. But they are superior to Arsenal. They have great players," he said.