Antonio Conte Eyes Italy Return After 2026 WC Playoff Disaster: 'I'd Pick Me'

Last Updated:April 07, 2026, 19:23 IST

Antonio Conte hints at a return as Italy boss after their World Cup failure, calling himself a top candidate while urging major changes in Italian football’s structure.

Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — their third straight missed World Cup — has left the Azzurri and their faithful reeling.

But where many see despair, Antonio Conte sees opportunity.

Following the sacking of Gennaro Gattuso, the Napoli boss has emerged as a leading candidate to take charge of the Azzurri once again.

And for his part, Conte isn’t shying away from talking the talk.

“It is only right that my name appears as part of that list," Conte said after guiding Napoli to a 1-0 win over AC Milan.

“If I was the FIGC President, I would consider myself along with others. For many reasons, I would put Conte in that list."

A Familiar Role

During his previous stint, Conte led Italy to the quarterfinals of UEFA EURO 2016, where they narrowly lost to Germany on penalties.

“I’ve already worked with the national team, and I know the environment," he added. “Being the national team manager means representing the country."

Still, any move isn’t straightforward.

Conte remains under contract with Napoli until 2027 and confirmed he will hold talks with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis at the end of the season.

“But you know what my contract situation is… We’ll see," he said.

A System In Need of Change

Beyond the managerial question, Conte pointed to deeper structural issues within Italian football.

“Every time we don’t qualify, we have to rebuild," he said. “But as a national team coach, I’ve seen little help from the teams… something must be done."

“Now everything is seen as a disaster, but even in disasters, there is always something that can be salvaged."

Fresh off delivering Napoli’s fourth Serie A title last season, his fifth league triumph in Italy, he has once again turned them into contenders.

They currently sit second, chasing Inter Milan with seven games to go.

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