“Could Antonio Conte be the solution for the Italian national team?”

Antonio Conte is once again at the center of speculation to take over the managerial role of the Italian National Team, following the departure of Gennaro Gattuso after Italy’s dramatic elimination in the World Cup playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina. With the Azzurra searching for their fourth coach in just three years, Conte’s potential second stint in the position ignites passions and controversies. But what are, after all, the pros and cons of appointing the current Napoli manager?

Conte, who previously led Italy from 2014 to 2016, is one of the strongest candidates to replace Gattuso, joining other heavyweight contenders such as Massimiliano Allegri and Roberto Mancini. What makes Conte such an appealing option for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC)?

Firstly, the coach himself has shown genuine interest in returning to the national team. After Napoli’s victory over AC Milan (1-0) in Serie A, Conte stated: “If I were president of the FIGC, I would consider my own candidacy alongside others. I have already worked with the Nazionale and know the environment well. Representing my country is something wonderful and that is a source of pride.” This statement not only demonstrates his motivation but also offers hope that top coaches still see value in the national team’s project at a critical moment.

Another decisive factor is the stance of Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who will not hinder Conte’s early departure, despite the coach having another year on his contract. De Laurentiis recently stated: “If Antonio asked me for permission, I would probably say yes.” This institutional support is crucial for the transfer to take place without major conflicts.

Conte also brings his experience and knowledge of international football to the table, something essential for a country going through a phase of instability and renewal. Even though the current Italian squad does not have many elite stars, as in the past, Conte has already proven capable of getting the best out of players. According to an analysis by Gazzetta dello Sport, the current Italian generation even has more technical quality than the one Conte coached nearly a decade ago.

Moreover, Conte is recognized for being a short-term winner, something his predecessors, such as Gattuso and Luciano Spalletti, were unable to guarantee during their tenures with the national team. This ability to achieve immediate results could be key to rebuilding the team’s and fans’ confidence ahead of major international competitions.

In summary, Antonio Conte’s return to the Italian National Team could signify a breath of fresh air and a winning approach at a time when the Nazionale is struggling to find its path to success. It remains to be seen whether the FIGC will have the courage to bet on a name that already knows the pitfalls of the role, but also has the ambition and capability to bring Italy back to the top of world football.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.