Antonio Conte has signaled his strong interest in a potential return to manage the Italian national team, openly stating his uncertainty regarding his future at Napoli. He remarked, “If I were the FIGC President, I would definitely consider myself for the role.”
The 56-year-old coach has emerged as a frontrunner to lead the Azzurri, especially following their unprecedented failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
This would mark Conte’s second stint with the national team, having previously managed the Nazionale from 2014 to 2016 before departing to take on a new challenge with Chelsea.
During a press conference held after Napoli’s 1-0 victory over Milan, which saw them climb to second place, Conte was questioned about the Italy managerial rumors. His reply was remarkably candid regarding whether he found the speculation bothersome or flattering.
Conte not hiding Italy ambition
Conte reflected on past media speculation, stating, “Let’s not forget that in the final three months of last season, there were reports in the media suggesting I would leave Napoli for Juventus, right?” He continued, “The media needs content, and it’s only natural that my name is among those considered. If I were the FIGC President, I would indeed consider myself alongside other candidates. For various reasons, I would include Conte on that list.”
He added, “After all, I’ve already worked with the Nazionale and am familiar with the setup. I feel honored, as representing your country is truly special.” Addressing his club future, he confirmed, “You all know I have one year remaining on my contract with Napoli, and at the end of the season, I will meet with the President to discuss it.”
Appointing a new coach, however, is merely one component of a larger challenge. Italian football has faced significant difficulties since its memorable World Cup victory in 2006, with the EURO 2020 triumph now appearing more like an isolated success rather than a clear indicator of sustained recovery.
This raises the crucial question: what further actions are necessary to truly revitalize the sport?
Conte lamented the results-driven nature of modern football, stating, “It’s disheartening that if we had won that penalty shoot-out against Bosnia and qualified for the World Cup, people would have lauded it as a great achievement and spoken of Italy playing fantastic football. Unfortunately, in this sport, only the outcome truly matters now.”
He emphasized the gravity of the situation: “After missing three consecutive World Cups, something serious absolutely needs to be addressed. When I was the head coach (CT), there was a lot of discussion, but I received very little cooperation from the clubs.” He continued, “Currently, everything is perceived as a disaster, yet even in such situations, there is always something that can be salvaged. We must understand that if underlying issues persist, they will remain whether we qualify or not. Had we qualified, the very same critics would have hailed it as a triumph.” Conte concluded with a call to action: “We all care deeply about the Nazionale, and decisive action must be taken.”