Conte eager to clarify Italy position: ‘Don’t twist my words’

Antonio Conte has clarified his position on a potential return to the Italy job, reiterating he has ‘another year on my contract with Napoli.’

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The coach was mentioned as one of the primary candidates to take over the Nazionale after Gennaro Gattuso resigned, having failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Last week, Conte had said he would put himself on the list to be the new Azzurri boss, if he was in the position of the Federation President.

However, he reacted angrily today when told he had given his availability to the FIGC.

Conte open to Italy, but also to Napoli

“I did not say I was available for anything,” insisted Conte on Rai Radio 1.

“I have another year on my contract with Napoli, then at the end of the season I will speak to the President. I would urge you to interpret my words correctly, because if they are going to be twisted, then I won’t speak at all anymore.”

The 56-year-old had already been on the Italy bench from 2014 to 2016, where he oversaw 14 victories, six draws and five defeats.

He walked away after they lost on penalties to Germany in the EURO 2016 quarter-finals, returning to club football for Chelsea.

Since then, he has worked at Inter, Tottenham and since 2024 at Napoli.