Conte turns down Italy job - reports

According to Tuttosport and Sportmediaset, Antonio Conte turned down the Italy job, making Roberto Mancini the next candidate to take up the job.

Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini
Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini

The former Juventus tactician had become the hot favourite to replace Cesare Prandelli when he terminated his contract by mutual consent last week.

Any decision will have to wait until at least August 11, when the new FIGC President – most likely Carlo Tavecchio – is elected.

However, Tuttosport and Sportmediaset reported that Conte was approached informally about the Azzurri bench and turned it down.

He left Juve because he felt burned out by the stress and expectations after winning three consecutive Scudetto titles.

With Conte preferring to take some time off, the only genuine remaining candidate is Mancini.

A free agent after terminating his contract with Galatasaray by mutual consent, Mancio has international experience at club level in England and Turkey.