Conte is Italian Football Federation chief’s first choice

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Italian Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio has indicated that Antonio Conte would be his first choice to appoint as Italy boss.

It comes amid continued speculation over Conte’s future at Chelsea and reports in his native Italy that he could return to take charge of the national team following the sacking of Giampiero Ventura.

Ventura was fired after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup.

He succeeded Conte, who was Italy boss until leaving for Chelsea in the summer of 2016.

The likes of Massimiliano Allegri, Roberto Mancini and former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti have also been touted as contenders for the Italy job.

But Tavecchio has been quoted by Gazzetta Dello Sport as saying: “Allegri, Mancini, Ancelotti… I say getting warmer. And Conte? Fire.”