Antonio Conte Backed By Baldini As Potential Italy Coach If He Returns To The Azzurri

Silvio Baldini states that Antonio Conte could thrive again as Italy head coach if appointed. Conte is out of work after leaving Napoli at the end of the 2025-26 season. The Italian federation is assessing options following Gennaro Gattuso's resignation after another missed World Cup.

Baldini currently leads the Azzurri on an interim basis and began with a 1-0 victory over Luxembourg. The match at Stade de Luxembourg featured 15 debutants, signalling a reset for Italy. The temporary coach is expected to remain in charge while officials search for a permanent successor.

Conte has prior experience with Italy, managing the national team from 2014 to 2016. During that spell, Conte recorded 14 wins from 25 matches, with seven draws and four defeats. That period produced a 56% win rate and strengthened Conte's reputation at international level.

The 56-year-old's club achievements give Baldini confidence in Conte's suitability. Conte has captured 11 major trophies during a career that includes Juventus, Chelsea, Inter and Napoli. Baldini points to this consistent record as evidence that Conte could guide Italy through another rebuilding phase.

Talking about coaches, one who almost always wins, always finishes in first or second is Conte,Baldini said.But why does Conte always win? He has his own style, he can be nice, he can be unpleasant, he creates a strong group, but I'm just talking about results. He went to England and won. He won with three squads in Italy. Juventus, Inter, Napoli. Whenever he didn't win, he came second. But why is Conte successful? Because he has a methodology. If youth teams don't understand that having a methodology isn't just about teaching technique or how to cross the ball, then we're going nowhere; it's more like a lifestyle.

Conte's recent work at Napoli offers mixed numbers yet strong context. Napoli ended the 2025-26 Serie A campaign with 76 points. It was the first time a Conte side in Italy failed to reach 80 points in a league season.

Across Europe's top five leagues, Conte has dipped below that tally only twice before. Chelsea finished with 70 points in 2017-18 and Tottenham collected 71 in 2021-22. These seasons underline how rare such totals are for Conte-coached teams.

Despite falling short of 80 points, Conte's win percentage with Napoli remains high. Conte delivered a 62% win rate in Serie A for the Partenopei. Among Napoli coaches, only Maurizio Sarri with 69% and Luciano Spalletti with 68% have higher league records.

Italy's search for a long-term coach continues after failing to qualify for a third straight World Cup. Baldini's early work highlights a focus on new players, while Conte remains a leading candidate. The decision will shape how the Azzurri approach upcoming qualifying campaigns and future tournaments.