Conte confirms he will step down as Italy boss

Italy boss Antonio Conte has confirmed he will return to club management after this summer’s European Championship.

Conte wants to take over at at Chelsea, who have held discussions with the 46-year-old’s representatives.

Those representatives, and media reports in Italy, have suggested that Conte has all but secured the job at Stamford Bridge.

“I feel that I must go back to being a coach in a club to have the opportunity of coaching every day,” said Conte.

He has been in charge of the national team since 2014 and has also managed Juventus – where he made his name as a player – as well as Siena, Atalanta, Bari and Arezzo.

His contract expires this summer, while Guus Hiddink’s spell as interim manager at the Bridge finishes at the end of the season.

Conte led Juventus to three Serie A titles and Italy are unbeaten under him in 10 competitives matches.