Napoli sign Spanish midfielder Fabian from Real Betis

July 5 - Napoli have signed Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz from Real Betis on a five-year deal as the Serie A club's new coach Carlo Ancelotti tries to end the dominance of champions Juventus.

Napoli, who finished runners-up last season, did not disclose the transfer fee on their website http://www.sscnapoli.it on Thursday but local media said they had met a reported 30 million euros ($35.14 million) buyout clause to bring Fabian to the Stadio San Paolo.

Ruiz is Napoli's second signing of the close season after striker Simone Verdi joined from Bologna for a reported fee of 25 million euros also on a five-year contract.

The 22-year-old Fabian made 34 Liga appearances and scored three goals last season for the Spaniards, who qualified for the Europa League for the first time in six years.

The Real Betis youth product made his debut in Spain's top flight in the 2015/2016 season.

Napoli, who finished four points behind Juve last season and qualified for the Champions League group stage, appointed the much-travelled Ancelotti, 59, in May to replace Maurizio Sarri.

The Italian returns to Serie A after nine mostly successful years abroad where he won league titles in England (Chelsea), France (Paris St Germain) and Germany (Bayern Munich).