Italian media salute Ancelotti

Italy's media gave a big salute to Carlo Ancelotti today after he guided Chelsea to an 8-0 romp over Wigan which clinched the Barclays Premier League title in his first year at the club.

Yesterday's demolition of Wigan on the last day of the season left the Blues one point clear of Manchester United in the standings.

Gazzetta dello Sport highlighted Ancelotti's achievement by putting a photograph of the former AC Milan manager holding the trophy on their front page.

"King Charles of England; no Italian coach had ever won the Premier League title. Ancelotti champion in his debut year," read its headline.

The Italian guided the Blues to their first Premier League crown since 2006, when Chelsea were coached by Jose Mourinho.

Ancelotti could also lead the Stamford Bridge club to the double if they beat Portsmouth in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

"Ancelotti triumph," was Corriere dello Sport's headline. "He is the first Italian to win the Premier League."

Turin-based Tuttosport also hailed the Italian tactician.

"Ancelotti, oh yes, the Premier is his," read its headline.

National newspaper La Repubblica not only showered praise on Ancelotti but lauded the club for playing an attacking style of football.

Chelsea set a new record for the number of goals scored in the Premier League with 103, five more than that established by Manchester United in 2000.

Four times this season, Ancelotti's side won by 7-0 scorelines and they surpassed that with yesterday's avalanche of goals.

The Blues also beat United home and away with the 2-1 success at Old Trafford during the crucial run-in.

"Ancelotti triumphs in his first try," was La Repubblica's headline.

"Vedi, vini, vici: Carlo Ancelotti conquers England in his first try and becomes king of London."