Italy chiefs want Conte back, Sun say
There continues to be speculation over the future of Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
The Sun claim Conte is being lined up for a possible return to his former job as Italy boss after next summer’s World Cup.
Conte’s successor Gian Piero Ventura is under pressure after Italy stumbled in their qualifying group – they face a play-off after finishing second behind Spain.
The Sun say senior figures at the Italian Football Federation are lobbying for Conte’s return.
It comes 48 hours after the Sunday Express claimed that Conte could quit Chelsea at the end of the season.
There was speculation about Conte’s future in the summer, when it was claimed he was close to leaving his job because he was unhappy with the club’s transfer business.
And the Sunday Express claimed Conte is now considering quitting Stamford Bridge this summer and returning to Italy.
The most recent speculation over Conte’s future is largely based on him telling Italian radio: “Italy is my homeland. I’ll be back. I don’t know when but that’s the aim.”
Conte has also repeatedly insisted he intends to see out his contract, which expires in 2019.
