Conte backs Guardiola as ideal choice for Italy

Napoli coach Antonio Conte has thrown his support behind Pep Guardiola as a potential candidate to manage the Italian national team, while firmly denying any current talks or agreements regarding the role for himself.

“

There’s zero between the Italian Federation to become the head coach. Zero so far. Let’s see in the future.

Conte addressed the ongoing speculation about the Italy coaching position, emphasizing the lack of any current discussions. "There’s zero between the Italian Federation to become the head coach. Zero so far. Let’s see in the future," he was reported as saying by Fabrizio Romano on X.

He further highlighted the uncertainty within the federation's leadership, noting, "There’s not even the Federation president yet… but let me say. Is Italy ready to appoint a top coach?" Conte questioned the nation's financial readiness to attract a high-profile manager, citing Guardiola as the caliber of coach he believes would be suitable.

“

There’s not even the Federation president yet… but let me say. Is Italy ready to appoint a top coach?

"I read about Pep Guardiola. Should I suggest a name, I’d say Pep. But… do they have the funds to make it happen? It’s too early to say," Conte remarked. His comments come amidst persistent rumors linking him to the Italy job, even as reports suggest he may be leaving Napoli at the end of the season.

“

I read about Pep Guardiola. Should I suggest a name, I’d say Pep. But… do they have the funds to make it happen? It’s too early to say.