Antonio Conte has indicated he would be open to taking charge of the Italian national team, stating that he should be considered among the leading candidates for the vacant position.
The current Napoli manager made his position known following his side’s 1-0 victory over AC Milan in Serie A, as discussions continue over who will replace Gennaro Gattuso.
Gattuso stepped down as Italy head coach after the Azzurri failed to qualify for this summer’s FIFA World Cup, marking a third consecutive absence from the global tournament—a development that has intensified scrutiny on the national team setup.
Reacting to speculation linking him with a return to the role, Conte acknowledged that his name is naturally part of the conversation, given his experience and previous tenure with the national side.
He suggested that, if he were in the position of decision-makers, he would consider himself a strong candidate, while also noting that his current contractual obligations at Napoli remain a key factor.
Conte is under contract with Napoli until 2027 and has been instrumental in the club’s recent success, including leading them to the Serie A title last season. Despite this, reports indicate he is open to discussions at the end of the campaign regarding his future.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has also publicly backed the possibility of Conte taking up the national team role, revealing he would not stand in the coach’s way if the opportunity arises.
However, he pointed to the current administrative uncertainty within Italian football as a potential complication, noting that the absence of a confirmed leadership structure at the Italian Football Federation could delay any immediate decisions.
Conte previously managed Italy between 2014 and 2016, guiding the team to the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2016, where they were eliminated on penalties by Germany after an impressive campaign.
As the search for a new head coach continues, other names-including Massimiliano Allegri-have also been linked with the role.
A final decision on Gattuso’s successor is not expected until after the Italian Football Federation’s extraordinary meeting scheduled for June 22, where a new president will be elected.
Until then, uncertainty remains over who will take charge of the Azzurri, with Conte emerging as one of the most prominent and experienced options under consideration.
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