Conte: ‘I need rest and recuperation, then await possible developments’ | OneFootball

Antonio Conte assures he is eager to ‘rest and recuperate’ after two years at Napoli, but leaves the door open for Italy. ‘I await situations and developments during the year.’

The coach had one more year left on his three-season contract with the Partenopei, but after securing the Scudetto in his debut campaign and then finishing second during an injury crisis, he decided to walk away.

Conte waiting for next career step

PISA, ITALY – MAY 17: Antonio Conte manager of SSC Napoli reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and SSC Napoli at Arena Garibaldi on May 17, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“I am relaxed, having two splendid years at Napoli filled me with great joy and satisfaction, giving me so much on a human level,” Conte told DAZN Italia.

“Napoli gave me so very much. Now I am enjoying my vacation and time with my family. I am someone who uses up a lot of energy when working, so I realise that at times I need to rest and recuperate.

“I’m very pleased with how my two years at Napoli went, now I can rest and watch some football awaiting possible situations and developments during the year.”

COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: SSC Napoli coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Conte has been heavily linked with a potential return to the Italy bench, where had already been from 2014 to 2016.

He is among the candidates along with Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini, although his huge wage demands would be a major stumbling block to this role.

Meanwhile, he turns 57 later this month and is in the DAZN Italia studio this evening as a pundit for the 2026 World Cup Final.

Spain and Argentina face off for the trophy tonight, kicking off at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST), so has the tournament surprised him?

“The four teams that arrived in the semi-final are the sides I expected,” replied Conte.

“Spain are perhaps the closest to being like a club side. Lionel Scaloni surprised me, as the Argentina coach helped create an empathic bond with his players. The team plays for its people, and I think Scaloni is enjoying that.

“Luis de la Fuente looks relaxed and calm. Perhaps Argentina are feeling the pressure a bit more than Spain tonight.”