Antonio Conte remains a prominent figure linked with a potential return to the Italy national team setup. Reports indicate that Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis and Conte himself are scheduled to meet after the conclusion of the 2025-26 season for crucial discussions regarding the coach’s future.
Conte’s name tops the list of potential successors to Gennaro Gattuso as the head coach of the Italian national squad. Gattuso departed by mutual consent after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup, losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-offs. This marks their third consecutive absence from the prestigious tournament.
This potential move would signify a return to the national team for Conte, who previously managed the squad from 2014 to 2016, leading them to a strong performance at Euro 2016.
Conte currently has just over a year remaining on his contract with Napoli. De Laurentiis has previously stated he would not obstruct Conte’s departure should the coach decide to take on the Italy job, reportedly saying: “If Antonio asks me, I think I’d say yes.”
The highly anticipated meeting between Conte and De Laurentiis to determine the coach’s future will take place immediately following the end of the 2025-26 season, according to recent reports.
The location for these critical talks has been set for the picturesque island of Ischia. The discussions are expected to occur within a few days after the final round of Serie A fixtures, which is slated for May 24.