Antonio Conte is set to depart Napoli by mutual consent at the end of the 2024-25 season, ending his tenure at the Italian club after just over a year. The veteran tactician has his sights trained firmly on the Italy national team job following their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with the FIGC Presidential election scheduled for June 22 offering a pathway to his return.
Italian media outlets La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport report that the decision crystallized following a pivotal mid-April meeting between Conte and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis. Despite guiding Napoli to Champions League qualification with a recent victory over Pisa, Conte signaled his intent to step down before his contract expires in June 2027. The mutual termination agreement will allow the former Chelsea and Juventus manager to exit without financial complications, enabling both parties to move forward cleanly.
Replacement Race Intensifies
Napoli now faces an urgent search for Conte's successor, with Maurizio Sarri and Massimiliano Allegri emerging as primary candidates. Sarri's position at Lazio appears increasingly untenable after the Roma derby defeat, with the manager expressing frustration in his post-match comments: "I didn't like this season's situation, I wasn't listened to at all." Meanwhile, Allegri's tenure at AC Milan has deteriorated due to tensions with senior figures including Zlatan Ibrahimovic and CEO Giorgio Furlani. The managerial carousel in Serie A continues to reshape itself ahead of the summer transfer window.
Conte's International Ambitions
Conte's previous stint as Italy coach produced an impressive record of 14 victories from 24 matches, establishing his credentials as a top-level international operator. The 55-year-old believes he can restore the Azzurri to World Cup contention and restore national pride after their qualification disappointment. With the FIGC voting to appoint a new national team coach in the coming months, Conte represents a high-profile option capable of commanding immediate respect within the Italian federation and among elite players.
The impending departure leaves Napoli navigating a critical transition period as they seek to maintain their competitive standing in Serie A and European competition while rebuilding their management structure.
