Italian FA president Carlo Tavecchio has confirmed Chelsea target Antonio Conte will step down as national head coach after the Euros in the summer.
Conte, 46, is widely expected to be named Guus Hiddink’s long-term replacement at the end of the season, with confirmation of his appointment thought to be imminent.
The former Juventus head coach has been in charge of Italy’s national team since 2014 and has only lost two of his 16 matches in charge, but will step down when his contract expires after his first major tournament in the summer.
“Conte will leave the national team after the European Championships,” Tavecchio is quoted as saying by Football Italia.
“He hears the call of the pitch and of daily work, which is understandable.”
Conte’s impending move to Chelsea would now appear to be a matter of when and not if and the Italian will be tasked with revitalising a Chelsea side that has gone from Premier League champions to mid-table strugglers in less than 12 months.
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