Naples may facilitate Conte’s departure to the Italian national team.

Italy in deep shock: the national team is out of the 2026 World Cup for the third consecutive time, and a name is already dominating the corridors of the Italian Football Federation. Gennaro Gattuso is set to leave, and the successor could be none other than Antonio Conte, the coach who has already proven capable of making a difference in crucial moments. What is happening behind the scenes? The answer comes from Italian journalist Enzo Bucchioni of TMW, who drops a bombshell in the transalpine football scene.

According to Bucchioni, Conte is more than ready to return to the helm of the Italian national team: “He will be happy to return to the national team. He has the ability to raise the level and improve the team’s performance. He already showed in 2016 that he can do things well, despite the limitations he had at the time.” A statement that leaves no room for doubt and places Conte at the top of the federation’s preference list.

However, there is a piece of the puzzle that could complicate or facilitate this transfer: the coach’s contract with Napoli. Conte is currently tied to the Neapolitans, which could pose obstacles to his departure. But, surprisingly, the same source assures that negotiations should not be a problem. “For the sake of Italian football, the president of Napoli may facilitate things. Moreover, some doubts regarding Conte’s possibility of continuing at Napoli have been raised in recent times,” adds Bucchioni, suggesting that the club may even be willing to part with the coach for the good of national football.

The situation of the Italian national team is alarming. After the humiliation of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the pressure on the Federation is immense, and decisions must be swift and precise. Choosing a new head coach is a crucial step in attempting to rebuild a team that has lost prestige on the international stage.

Antonio Conte, with his track record, seems to be the ideal name for this mission. He has already demonstrated that he knows how to handle teams in reconstruction and is known for demanding tactical discipline and maximum commitment from his players—essential ingredients to restore Italy to the top of world football.

Meanwhile, Napoli may have to accept the departure of one of its key assets to aid in the recovery of the national team. A scenario that, while painful for Napoli fans, can be seen as a necessary sacrifice for the rebirth of Italian football.

Attention is now focused on the upcoming moves of the Italian federation and the intentions of the president of Napoli. Will Conte really leave the club to take on the challenging role of head coach of the national team? The coming weeks promise to be decisive, and Italian football is in suspense, waiting for a solution that will return it to the stages it deserves.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.