ROME — Antonio Conte appears ready to leave Napoli less than a year after guiding the southern club to its fourth Serie A title, and is now openly campaigning for the vacant Italy job.
After Napoli's 1-0 victory over AC Milan on Monday, Conte said: "If I were the federation president I would consider myself. I've already been with the national team and I know what it's like."
The Italy position became available after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Conte previously coached Italy at the European Championship a decade ago.
Federation Turmoil
The Italian soccer federation currently has only a lame duck president after Gabriele Gravina announced his resignation, with new elections called for June 22.
Gennaro Gattuso, who coached Italy in the World Cup qualifying playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, also resigned.
Napoli's Title Chances Fade
Napoli trails league leader Inter Milan by seven points with seven rounds remaining. "We would have to be perfect and Inter would have to make several missteps," Conte said. "It's not a question of believing; it's about being realistic."
Napoli visits Parma on Sunday, having leapfrogged Milan into second place with their late-season surge.
History of Quick Exits
If Conte leaves Napoli, it would follow a familiar pattern. He departed Bari immediately after a Serie B title in 2009, Juventus immediately after winning a third straight Serie A in 2014, Chelsea immediately after the FA Cup in 2018, and Inter immediately after a Serie A title in 2021.
Inter Milan Update
Inter visits neighboring Como on Sunday for its shortest trip of the season. Inter routed Como 4-0 in December, but Como held them to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the Italian Cup semifinals last month.
The second leg is scheduled for April 21. Inter's 5-2 thrashing of Roma last weekend marked their first victory since February.
Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu scored a stunning 30-yard volley against Roma—his ninth Serie A goal of the season—to go with three assists.
Player Injuries
Juventus center forward Dusan Vlahovic will miss another three weeks with a calf muscle injury, having recently recovered from another muscular issue from November.
His injury could affect contract negotiations with Juventus, who are offering an extension at a reduced salary.
Spalletti's Proposal
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti suggested requiring every Serie A club to use at least one Italian under-19 player in its starting lineup to address national team problems.
Spalletti was fired as Italy coach last year after the Azzurri lost their opening qualifier to Norway.
— Andrew Dampf, The Associated Press