In a significant development for Italian football, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has publicly stated that he would not obstruct Antonio Conte if the coach sought to return to the helm of the Italy national team. This announcement comes after Conte himself suggested he should be considered as a candidate to succeed Gennaro Gattuso, who resigned following Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time.
Conte's Confidence and Contractual Situation
Speaking after Napoli's 1-0 league victory over Milan, Conte expressed his expectation to be on the list of potential candidates for the national team role. "It's expected that my name appears on the list of candidates for the national team," Conte remarked. "If I was the federation's president, I would consider my name. But, you know my contractual situation, I'll meet with my president at the end of the season and we will see." Conte's current contract with Napoli extends until 2027, and the club, as Italian champions, are currently seven points behind Serie A leaders Inter with seven matches remaining in the season.
De Laurentiis's Supportive Stance
De Laurentiis, in an interview with Calcionapoli24, affirmed his willingness to facilitate Conte's potential move. "If Conte asked me to allow him to become the national team coach again, I would say yes," he stated. However, he also noted Conte's intelligence, suggesting that the coach might be hesitant to take charge of a team amidst organizational disarray, given the recent resignation of Gabriele Gravina as head of the Italian football federation and the upcoming election for a new president on 22 June.
Conte's Previous Tenure and Achievements
Antonio Conte previously managed the Italy national team from 2014 to 2016, a period during which he led the four-time World Cup winners to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016. Under his guidance, Italy was eliminated on penalties by Germany in a closely contested match. More recently, Conte coached Napoli to the Scudetto last season, though he nearly departed last summer after a fallout with De Laurentiis, highlighting the complex dynamics of their relationship.
Other Candidates and Timing Considerations
Massimiliano Allegri, the current coach of Milan, has also been linked with the Italy position, adding to the speculation surrounding the vacancy. However, any appointment will be delayed until after the Italian football federation's extraordinary meeting on 22 June, where a new president will be elected. This timeline ensures that the selection process for Gattuso's replacement will proceed in an orderly manner, addressing the organizational challenges highlighted by De Laurentiis.
The situation underscores the ongoing transitions within Italian football, as key figures navigate contractual obligations, past successes, and future aspirations in the wake of recent disappointments on the international stage.
