Antonio Conte is widely expected to depart Napoli at the end of the season, with the Italy national team job emerging as his likely destination, according to reports in the Italian media. The current Napoli manager has repeatedly signaled his intentions, and a mutual understanding with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis will ensure a smooth transition.
Conte’s potential move to the national team has been discussed since he publicly stated he would consider himself for the position if the Italian Football Federation president were to ask. This prompted a conversation with De Laurentiis, who sought reassurance he wouldn’t be caught off guard by the decision. The pair reportedly agreed to address the situation directly, leading to a discussion in mid-April about their respective futures.
During his two seasons at Napoli, Conte delivered a Scudetto – the club’s first in 33 years – a Supercoppa Italiana title, and secured Champions League qualification for the following season. Despite this success, disagreements arose regarding the club’s infrastructure and long-term vision, specifically the need for a modern training center and a more evolved organizational structure. These differences proved irreconcilable.
Conte’s managerial career boasts significant achievements, including Serie A titles with Juventus and Premier League success with Chelsea. While European success has proven elusive, his track record and authority make him a strong candidate to lead the Italian national team. The new Federation President is expected to appoint a manager immediately after the elections on June 22nd, and Conte is currently considered the frontrunner.
Napoli are already considering potential replacements, with Maurizio Sarri and Massimiliano Allegri emerging as leading candidates. Sarri, formerly of Juventus and Chelsea, is currently managing Lazio and needs to resolve his position there, while Allegri is still attempting to secure Champions League qualification with Milan. Napoli owner De Laurentiis, alongside sporting director Manna, is expected to make a decision soon, potentially coinciding with his 77th birthday on May 24th.
