Antonio Conte may be on the verge of a significant career shift, as Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis opens the door for the former Italy manager’s potential return to the national team.
Reports indicate that Conte is considering a return to lead the Italian national side, which failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup—a significant blow as it marks the third consecutive tournament they will miss.
Following Napoli’s recent league victory over AC Milan, Conte remarked: “Let’s not forget that in the final months of last season, the media were talking about my move to Juventus.”
He acknowledged the media speculation, stating, “The media need something to write about, and it’s natural for my name to appear on the list. If I were the president of the federation, I would put my name among the candidates for several reasons.”
Potential Move to Italy’s National Team
De Laurentiis affirmed that he would not impede Conte’s departure should the opportunity arise, asserting that Conte’s leadership will continue as long as Napoli remains stable.
“If Conte asked me to allow him to return to the national team, I think I would agree,” De Laurentiis stated, further emphasizing, “But as he is very intelligent, and as long as there is no serious suitor—which has not happened so far—I don’t think he would imagine himself at the helm of a completely disorganised entity.”
The Azzurri recently parted ways with Gennaro Gattuso following their World Cup qualifying failure, leaving the position open for potential candidates. Conte, who previously led Italy between 2014 and 2016, is viewed as a leading contender to take over.
Massimiliano Allegri and Roberto Mancini have also emerged as possible successors, but the Italian Football Federation seems to favour an experienced head to rejuvenate the national side.
