Antonio Conte is reportedly considering a return to lead the Italian national team, with his current club, Napoli, open to allowing his departure this summer.
Conte is emerging as a frontrunner for the vacant Italy national team coaching position.
Despite being under contract with Napoli until June 2027, the Italian tactician is said to be very keen on a second tenure with the Azzurri.
He previously managed Italy from 2014 to 2016, guiding them to the quarter-finals of the Euros, where they were narrowly defeated by Germany after a penalty shootout.
Reports indicate Conte holds fond memories of his previous time with the national squad, and there is a strong sentiment within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) that the 56-year-old is the ideal candidate to revitalize the Azzurri.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly willing to release Conte for the national team role, even with a year remaining on his contract.
De Laurentiis’ approval is considered likely, particularly if Giovanni Malagò is elected as the new FIGC President.
A temporary coach, likely Silvio Baldini, is expected to oversee the June friendly matches. The permanent Italy manager will not be chosen until late June or early July, following the election of the new FIGC President, scheduled for June 22.
Other names mentioned for the Italy position include Massimiliano Allegri and Roberto Mancini. However, Allegri has stated his contentment at Milan, while Mancini’s candidacy is reportedly complicated by his abrupt departure from the Italy role in 2023, just weeks before taking over the Saudi Arabia national team.
