Antonio Conte is set to return to the Italian national team dugout as he’s expected to restore the nations pride in Europe and on the global stage.
Italy have failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cup despite boasting one of the best leagues in the world. The 2026 World Cup setback saw an overhaul in the coaching department as well as in the federation.
It’s now a new dawn in Italian football with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) expected to offer Conte a long-term deal.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Conte is expected to sign a four-year contract. This long-term commitment is designed to provide stability through to the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted across Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
The goal is to return Italy to its rightful place among the elite, and Conte is viewed as the only candidate with the necessary drive to see such a massive project through to completion.
Antonio Conte after the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Udinese at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 24, 2026. (Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images)
Reports claim major clubs in Serie A are also reportedly in favour of the move. The clubs believe that his presence will raise the standards of the entire Italian football system.
Conte was impressive during his previous spell as Italy manager. During Euro 2016, he guided the Azzurri to within a penalty shootout of the semi-finals, famously defeating Spain and pushing Germany to the absolute limit.
The 56-year-old is now expected to turn things around and redeem Italian football.
Conte officially left Napoli after reaching an agreement with the club to terminate his contract, despite having led them to a Scudetto and a Super Cup during his tenure.
He admitted to the Napoli hierarchy that he felt the project had reached its end, specifically citing a struggle to maintain unity within the environment.
A new working environment awaits the former Tottenham Hotspur manager, with high expectations expected from the Italian Football Federation.
