It seems that Antonio Conte is very close to becoming Italy’s national team coach for a second stint, which will be under intense scrutiny this time as he looks to bring the Azzurri back to prominence.
Conte’s contract with Napoli runs until the summer of 2027, but club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed that he will allow him to leave for the national team if he wishes, and will then terminate the contract by mutual agreement.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli has already begun exploring options for the coaching position next season should Conte leave for the Italian national team.
Napoli has identified Thiago Motta, the former Juventus coach, as a potential successor to Conte next season.
Thiago Motta was one of the most prominent coaches in Serie A between 2022 and 2024, leading Bologna to the Champions League and playing attractive football. However, his subsequent stint with Juventus was disastrous, ending with his dismissal in March 2025.
Napoli believes that Motta, with the right circumstances and a good squad, can revive his career. They have also considered other alternative options before making a final decision.
Napoli are looking at Sassuolo’s Fabio Grosso and Bologna’s Vincenzo Italiano as potential candidates, although Motta currently appears to be the frontrunner.
