Antonio Conte is being increasingly linked with a return to the Italy national team, with reports in Italy suggesting that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is already weighing up possible replacements should the current coach leave at the end of the season.
Italy are searching for a new manager after Gennaro Gattuso stepped down following the Azzurri’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and both Conte and Massimiliano Allegri have been widely mentioned among the leading options.
Conte’s name has gathered growing momentum in recent days, especially after De Laurentiis publicly indicated that he would not stand in the way if the Napoli coach asked to take over the national side. While Conte remains focused on Napoli’s final push in Serie A, the possibility of a second spell in charge of Italy appears increasingly realistic. Reuters has also noted the speculation around Conte as Italy assess their next move following Gattuso’s exit.
Should Conte depart, Italian reports say Napoli are considering several profiles for the role. Among the names mentioned are Thiago Motta, Daniele De Rossi, Vincenzo Italiano and Fabio Grosso, with the club reportedly looking at coaches capable of delivering proactive and entertaining football. At this stage, however, those names remain part of media speculation rather than confirmed negotiations.
Conte’s situation naturally attracts attention given his track record and the pattern of his managerial career. His previous spell as Italy coach ended after Euro 2016, and he has long been associated with a possible return to the national team. For now, though, Napoli are still fighting through the closing stages of the campaign, with Conte publicly focused on the present.
