• Conte set to return to management
• Has been on sabbatical since leaving Spurs
• Expected to take charge of Napoli

WHAT HAPPENED?

Conte, a seasoned tactician with a wealth of experience in top-flight football, has previously managed prominent Premier League clubs such as Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. At 54 years old, he brings a formidable track record and a proven ability to deliver results on the field. However, after parting ways with Tottenham in March 2023, following a series of disappointing results in both domestic and European competitions, Conte has been biding his time, awaiting the right opportunity to return to management.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

According to Italian broadcaster RAI, Conte has already agreed terms with Napoli which include a lucrative three-year contract valued at €6.5 million (£5.56m/$7m) per season. Additionally, Conte is said to have inserted a clause whereby Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis will refrain from sharing his opinion in football-related matters, granting the manager complete autonomy in team affairs.

DID YOU KNOW?

Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions from the 2022-2023 season, have been in search of a new leader following Luciano Spalletti's departure. Despite their recent success under Spalletti's guidance, the club has struggled to maintain momentum in the current campaign, grappling with inconsistent performances and managerial changes which have seen Rudi Garcia and Walter Mazzarri bite the dust. Conte will now take over from Francesco Calzona, who is acting as caretaker manager until the end of the season, following the sacking of Mazzarri.

While Conte's imminent arrival has garnered widespread attention, other managerial candidates have also been linked with the Napoli job. Names such as Vincenzo Italiano of Fiorentina, Stefano Pioli of AC Milan, and Gian Piero Gasperini of Atalanta have surfaced in discussions surrounding Napoli's managerial vacancy. However, Conte's pedigree and track record arguably make him the standout choice to lead the club forward.

WHAT NEXT?

Conte's appointment represents a strategic move by Napoli to revitalize their fortunes and bolster their standing in Italian football. With his extensive Serie A experience, having previously led Juventus and Inter to league success, Conte is poised to inject new energy and tactical acumen into the Napoli setup. His proven track record of transforming teams into title contenders bodes well for Napoli's aspirations of reclaiming the Serie A crown and competing at the highest level of European football.