Conte the most serious candidate for Italy job

It appears increasingly likely that Antonio Conte will become the new head coach of Italy national football team. According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, Conte has received strong backing from both the Italian football public and influential figures within the game. He is reportedly prepared to accept the job and, notably, is willing to earn less than he did during his time at SSC Napoli. The main reason is the difficult state of Italian international football. Italy have missed their third straight World Cup, creating a widespread belief that sacrifices are necessary to restore the national team. In Conte's case, that sacrifice would be financial.

From a sporting perspective, Conte is viewed as an ideal candidate. Following Italy's disappointing group-stage exit at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he rebuilt the national team and guided them to the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2016, where they were narrowly eliminated by Germany national football team on penalties. He achieved that with a revamped squad and expectations relatively low. That ability to quickly transform teams has been a hallmark of Conte's career, demonstrated at Juventus, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Napoli. Conte is expected to sign a four-year contract with the primary objective of qualifying Italy for the 2030 World Cup, which will begin in Uruguay before continuing in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Under this plan, UEFA Euro 2028 would be viewed more as a stepping stone than the ultimate target.

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Italian sources also claim that Conte's candidacy enjoys support across Serie A, including from legendary coach Fabio Capello.

"If I had to choose between Conte and Roberto Mancini, I would choose Antonio. Conte is a coach who has an immediate impact and rarely makes mistakes when starting a new chapter. Our football needs a strong shock treatment, and who better than Conte to provide it?" Capello said.

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There could also be major additions behind the scenes. Reports suggest that Paolo Maldini is open to becoming technical director, a position in which he would reportedly have broad authority. Another iconic figure, Gianfranco Zola, could also join the project in a yet-to-be-defined role. If the plan comes together, Italy's football federation would be entrusting its revival to a trio featuring Conte on the touchline, Maldini in technical leadership, and Zola in a supporting executive role—a combination designed to restore the Azzurri's status among world football's elite.