Conte Open To Italy Return As Federation Seeks New Coach

Antonio Conte has indicated his willingness to return as Italy’s head coach following the departure of Gennaro Gattuso.

Gattuso stepped down after Italy failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup, extending a disappointing run that has seen the four-time champions miss three consecutive tournaments.

Conte, currently in charge of Napoli, acknowledged that his name is naturally among the candidates to take over the national team.

“If I were the federation president, I would consider myself,” he said. “But my situation at Napoli is clear, and we will discuss the future at the end of the season.”

The 56-year-old previously managed Italy between 2014 and 2016, guiding them to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, where they were eliminated by Germany national football team on penalties.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has expressed support for Conte’s potential return to the national side, though uncertainty within the Italian Football Federation remains a complicating factor.

AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has also been linked with the role, but a final decision is unlikely before the federation elects a new president later this year.

As Italy seek to rebuild after another World Cup setback, the appointment of their next manager will be critical in restoring the nation’s standing in international football.