Conte confirms Napoli exit but no agreement with Italy: ‘Is there money for Guardiola?’ | OneFootball

Antonio Conte confirms he’ll leave Napoli, insists he has no agreement to become the new Italy coach and wonders: ‘Is the FIGC ready to have a top coach? Do they have the funds to hire Guardiola?’

Conte confirmed his Napoli exit on Sunday, following a 1-0 win over Udinese.

The Italian tactician held a post-match press conference alongside club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis to confirm his departure after two years at the club.

“A month ago, I called the president and didn’t ask for anything, and he didn’t tell me anything,” Conte explained via TuttoNapoli.

“I told him I sensed our project was about to end, and there was no changing of plans. I made this decision because I failed in one thing in Naples: I didn’t bring compactness to the environment, so it’s difficult to compete with others.

“I’ve seen so many controversies, but Napoli need serious people. These people need to be removed because they are harmful. I failed because I didn’t compact the environment, so I can only raise my hands. I put my face on it, but I realised that things can’t be changed. It was an honour. I thank the president and the fans who understood me.”

NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 24: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 24, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Conte is reportedly the frontrunner for the Italy job, and just a few weeks ago, the Italian coach openly expressed his availability for the role.

“I remember what I said about the national team,” Conte argued during today’s press conference.

“I was very clear. I said I’d consider Conte if I were the [FIGC] President. Guardiola’s name has emerged, too. Is the FIGC ready to have a top coach? Right now, there’s nothing. Do they have the funds to hire Guardiola? I’d be the first one to say he should be hired, but is the money there? All benches are covered now. Perhaps I’ll rest and visit Aurelio in Los Angeles for the World Cup.”

Guardiola has also been linked with the Italy job, but the main candidates remain Conte, Massimiliano Allegri, Claudio Ranieri and Roberto Mancini, according to reports.

Guardiola has left Manchester City after ten years and will be replaced by Enzo Maresca.

Conte has spent two seasons at Napoli, winning one Scudetto and one Supercoppa Italiana.