Napoli President Says Antonio Conte Could Leave for Italy Coach Role
Antonio Conte confirmed on Monday that his name should be considered among the candidates to replace Gennaro Gattuso as head coach of the Italian national team, following the Azzurri’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive tournament. The former Italy boss, who led the side at Euro 2016, reiterated that his contractual situation with Napoli will be discussed with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis after the season concludes.
De Laurentiis responded to Conte’s comments through the website Calcionapoli24, stating unequivocally that he would not obstruct the coach should he decide to pursue the vacant national‑team role. The Napoli president emphasized his respect for Conte’s intelligence and noted that the absence of a federation president makes the prospect of a chaotic environment less appealing to the seasoned manager.
Conte’s current contract with Napoli runs until 2027, providing the club with a long‑term commitment despite the recent speculation of a possible departure. Napoli sit seven points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan with seven matches remaining, a gap that magnifies the importance of any decision regarding the coach’s future.
The recent 1‑0 league victory over AC Milan, secured by a solitary goal from Victor Osimhen, further underscored Napoli’s competitive form under Conte. The win moved Napoli to third place in the league table, keeping them within striking distance of the top two spots as the season draws to a close.
| Team | Points | Games Remaining |
|---|---|---|
| Inter Milan | 71 | 7 |
| Juventus | 68 | 7 |
| Napoli | 64 | 7 |
Conte’s tactical signature, built around a compact 3‑5‑2 formation and high‑pressing intensity, has been evident throughout Napoli’s campaign. The system relies on quick transitions, with wing‑backs such as Giovanni Di Lorenzo providing width while the midfield trio of Piotr Zielinski, André‑André, and Stanislav Lobotka ensures possession retention and ball progression.
Napoli’s defensive organization under Conte has also improved, conceding only 24 goals in 31 league matches, a statistic that places them among the best defensive units in Serie A. Goalkeeper Alex Meret’s command of the box and distribution have complemented the back three of Kostas Manolas, Amir Rrahmani, and Giovanni Di Lorenzo when he is deployed as a left centre‑back.
On the offensive side, Victor Osimhen has continued his prolific scoring form, netting 22 league goals this season, while midfielder Piotr Zielinski contributes both creativity and a respectable goal tally. The partnership between Osimhen and midfielder Matteo Politano on the left flank has created numerous scoring opportunities, highlighting Conte’s ability to maximize the strengths of his squad.
Conte’s previous tenure as Italy manager from 2014 to 2016 featured a pragmatic approach that combined defensive solidity with swift counter‑attacks. At Euro 2016, his side reached the quarter‑finals before being eliminated on penalties by Germany, a result that demonstrated his capacity to guide the national team deep into major tournaments.
Before returning to Napoli, Conte enjoyed a successful spell at Juventus, winning three consecutive Serie A titles and establishing a reputation for demanding high work‑rate and tactical discipline. His experience at both club and international level makes him a credible candidate for the Azzurri role, especially as the Italian federation seeks stability after Gattuso’s resignation.
Gennaro Gattuso’s departure came just 24 hours after the resignation of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, leaving the federation without both a head coach and a president. The extraordinary meeting scheduled for 22 June will elect a new federation president, after which a permanent national‑team coach is expected to be appointed.
Massimiliano Allegri, the current AC Milan manager, has also been linked to the Italy job, adding another high‑profile name to the shortlist. Allegri’s recent achievements with Milan, including a Serie A title in the 2021‑22 season, have kept his name in the speculation, though no official confirmation has been made.
The broader implications of Conte’s potential departure for Napoli are significant. Should the coach accept the national‑team position, Napoli would need to identify a replacement capable of maintaining their title challenge while navigating the final stretch of the Serie A season.
Potential internal candidates include assistant coach Roberto D’Aversa, who has worked closely with Conte and understands the tactical framework currently employed. Alternatively, Napoli could look abroad for a manager with experience in high‑pressure environments, though time constraints would make such a transition challenging.
For the Italian national team, appointing a coach with recent Serie A success could restore confidence among supporters and players alike. The Azzurri’s recent failure to qualify for the World Cup has prompted calls for a fresh strategic direction, and Conte’s familiarity with the domestic talent pool could be advantageous.
Regardless of the final decision, both Napoli and the Italian federation face a critical period of transition. The outcome will influence not only the remainder of the Serie A campaign but also the preparation cycle for upcoming international competitions, including the Euro 2028 qualifiers.
