Gazzetta: Conte leading candidate for Italy coach if Guardiola declines

Hupu Football News | July 23rd

According to a report by Milan Sport journalist Alessandra Gozzini, the Italian national team's coaching search has entered a critical phase. While FA President Malago still views Pep Guardiola as his top choice, Antonio Conte has gained significant support from Serie A clubs.

Key Developments

The restart plan for the Italian national team will be a central topic at today's Serie A League Assembly meeting. The overarching theme: "Rebuilding the Azzurri." New technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo will drive the process, with club presidents—including Serie A League President Simonelli—participating as listeners in the initial phase.

The Coaching Question

Within the group led by FA President Malago, Maldini and Leonardo will present a plan to build a competitive, honors-winning Italian national team. Key discussion topics include:

• Youth training systems
• Infrastructure construction
• Data analysis

The most critical question for clubs: Who will lead the Azzurri's restart?

For most clubs, the answer points to Antonio Conte—a coach seen as capable of providing guarantees for the national team's revival. He combines excellent tactical abilities with strong personal influence, a blend already proven during his previous tenure with Italy.

Conte's Previous National Team Stint

Conte's first experience with the Azzurri began in summer 2014, leading the team through preparation for Euro 2016. Over a two-year cycle, he built a tactically disciplined and highly competitive squad. Highlights included:

• Strong group stage performance
• Victory over Spain in the knockout rounds
• Quarterfinal elimination against Germany after a penalty shootout (following a draw in regular and extra time)

Club Support and Financial Commitment

To facilitate Conte's return, clubs are willing to provide financial backing. The level of club involvement in national team affairs is also expected to increase. The broader goal extends beyond selecting a coach—it is about rebuilding a national team that represents the entire football system.

Clubs want to see a winning Italian team that reflects a younger, more talented, more competitive, and more attractive league. Without a top-level national team, they believe this goal is unattainable. Conte's international recognition—proven both in Italy and abroad—is a key reason for their support.

Broader Rebuilding Efforts

Beyond appointing a head coach, a more comprehensive system must be built, including:

• Youth team development
• Progression pathways from youth to senior national teams
• Discovery and cultivation of potential players

Clubs hope to provide concrete assistance in these areas and strengthen ties between clubs and the FA's technical department through new key figures.

Meeting Details

Discussions are expected to begin around noon today. The meeting is scheduled for 11:30 AM at the Serie A League Assembly venue. While video conference options are available, almost all club representatives plan to attend in person.

Before lunch, Malago, Maldini, and Leonardo are expected to arrive at the Serie A League headquarters in Milan. They will be received on the fourth floor, which will also serve as a key work base for Maldini and Leonardo moving forward.

High-level talks with club presidents will follow. Since other meetings are scheduled throughout the day, discussions will proceed continuously. The plan will first be introduced internally to club presidents before being made public.

Conte's Own Words

Conte has previously addressed the possibility of coaching the national team. Last April, he stated:

"If I were the president of the Italian Football Federation, I would consider myself. I have worked with the national team before and know the environment. Of course, it is an honor because representing the country is a beautiful thing."

Beyond the Coach: Data-Driven Analysis

Cooperation between clubs and the FA will extend beyond the coaching issue. After meeting with FA executives, new technical meetings have been arranged to study Serie A's current problems. The focus: "Analyzing the technical competitive factors of Serie A and comparing them with the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1."

The research will use data from the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, to identify reasons for the decline in Italian football's competitiveness. This is a key step toward finding solutions, with the goal of returning Serie A and the national team to the top of European football.

If Serie A clubs and the FA can reach an agreement, Conte may become a central figure in driving this revival plan.

Source: Milan Sport