The president of Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has stressed that Italy’s national team manager Antonio Conte is focussed on his current job, rather than on his potential next one with Chelsea.
Conte has emerged as the front-runner to replace Guus Hiddink as the Blues’ permanent manager in the summer after his contract with the Azzurri expires.
Furthermore, the Sun reported earlier this week that a deal for the Italian to move to Chelsea was very close to being confirmed.
However, Carlo Tavecchio, who has worked alongside Conte since 2014, believes he is committed to helping his country enjoy a successful European Championship campaign before he decides on his future.
Tavecchio is quoted by Gazzetta World as saying: “For me, at the moment, Conte is with the national team and is working with desire, skill and sacrifice.
“We are taking the first steps to do well in the European Championship, but beyond that, only time will tell.”
The former Juventus player and manager has done a good job with the Italian national side over the last two years, guiding them to an unbeaten qualifying campaign and winning 56% of his games in total.
Although they aren’t considered to be one of the leading contenders to win it, Italy do have a good record in the European Championships: winning it once and finishing as runners-up twice, including last time at Euro 2012.
Former England manager Fabio Capello stated over the weekend his belief that Conte would be the man to lead Chelsea next season, though, and it will be interesting to see whether he does indeed make the move.
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