Antonio Conte has clarified his stance on a potential return to the Italy national team coaching role, emphasizing that he “has another year left on my contract with Napoli.”
The coach had been considered a leading candidate to succeed Gennaro Gattuso as the head of the Azzurri after the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Last week, Conte had commented that he would put himself forward for the position if he were in the Federation President’s shoes.
However, he reacted with frustration when informed that he had expressed his availability to the FIGC (Italian Football Federation).
Conte open to Italy, but also to Napoli
“I did not say I was available for anything,” Conte stated on Rai Radio 1. “I have another year on my contract with Napoli, and after the season ends, I will discuss things with the President. I urge you to interpret my words correctly, because if they are going to be twisted, I will cease speaking altogether.”
The 56-year-old previously managed the Italian national team from 2014 to 2016, achieving 14 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses during his tenure. He departed after Italy’s penalty shootout loss to Germany in the EURO 2016 quarter-finals, subsequently returning to club management with Chelsea.
Since then, Conte has managed Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur, and has been in charge of Napoli since 2024.