Conte Tempted by Return as Italy Coach – Report
Reports indicate that Antonio Conte is contemplating a second tenure as Italy’s national team coach, with Napoli reportedly open to facilitating his departure this summer.
Conte has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Gennaro Gattuso at the helm of the Italian national team.
Despite his current contract with Napoli extending until June 2027, sources suggest Conte is highly interested in returning to manage the Azzurri squad.
Conte previously coached Italy from 2014 to 2016, guiding them to the quarter-finals of the European Championship where they were eliminated by Germany after a penalty shootout.
Insiders suggest Conte holds fond memories of his previous time as La Nazionale’s coach, and there is a consensus within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) that the 56-year-old is the ideal figure to revitalize the Azzurri.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly willing to allow Conte to join the national team, even though his club contract still has a year remaining.
De Laurentiis' approval is not expected to be an issue, particularly if Giovanni Malagò is elected as the new FIGC President.
An interim coach, likely Silvio Baldini, will be appointed to oversee the June friendly matches. The permanent Italy manager will not be chosen before the end of June or early July, as the new FIGC President will only be elected on June 22.
Massimiliano Allegri and Roberto Mancini were also linked with the Italy managerial role. However, Allegri has publicly stated his contentment at Milan, while concerns regarding Mancini primarily stem from his abrupt exit in 2023 via a formal email, only to be appointed as the new Saudi Arabia national team coach just weeks later.
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