Antonio Conte has made a strong recommendation to the Italian Football Federation, suggesting that Pep Guardiola should be considered as the next head coach of the national team. This comes after Conte announced his departure from Napoli following the club’s second-place finish in Serie A, 11 points behind champions Inter Milan.
Conte, who previously managed Chelsea and Tottenham, has been linked with a return to Italy’s national team after their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after his final game in charge of Napoli, which ended with a 1-0 home win against Udinese, Conte expressed his thoughts on the future of the national team. He mentioned that while there are many candidates, he believes Guardiola would be an ideal choice. However, he also highlighted the challenges involved in bringing in a top-tier coach.
“People are talking. I remember what I said about the national team, namely that among the list of candidates I would also include Conte. Today there still isn’t a federation president,” Conte said.
He added:
“Guardiola’s name has also been mentioned but is the federation ready to have a top coach? Having one means burdens as well as honours. At the moment there is nothing, I don’t know if there will be in the future. If you want a top coach, my advice is Guardiola, but are there enough funds?”
While Guardiola remains a possibility, the odds of him taking on a new role are being closely watched. Some of the potential teams or clubs he could join include:
- England national team – 9/4
- Italy national team – 5/2
- Brazil national team – 9/2
- Barcelona – 5/1
- Bayern Munich – 11/2
- Any MLS club – 7/1
- Spain national team – 15/2
- Argentina national team – 9/1
- France national team – 11/1
- PSG – 16/1
- Athletic Bilbao – 33/1
- Liverpool – 33/1
- Real Madrid – 50/1
- Celtic – 50/1
- Man United – 50/1
Odds via Paddy Power
Meanwhile, Guardiola has officially confirmed his departure from Manchester City, marking the end of a decade-long tenure at the club. He will take a break from management but has agreed to a global ambassadorial role with the City Football Group (CFG).
“I feel deeply that the decision is the right decision for this club and the players. I thank the club for respecting it, they understood. I am so tired. Seriously, I am so tired. I did everything. We did it.”
Guardiola reflected on his time at City, saying:
“The memories I have of Barcelona and Bayern Munich are unbeatable but the luggage of memories I have from here from 10 years is more than any other. Without the trophies I would have been sacked but it is not looking at the trophies in the cabinet at home that makes me happy. It is the memories and connections I had since day one with the city, the backroom staff and the players.”
