Antonio Conte’s name is ‘circulating again’ as a potential candidate to take over at AC Milan, according to one journalist.
Conte’s name was mentioned in conjunction with the Milan job a few months ago when the decision was made to move on from Stefano Pioli. However, the directors went for Paulo Fonseca and the Italian instead finally gave in to Napoli’s pressure.
He has done a brilliant job there, taking them from a 10th placed finish last season to being right in the Scudetto fight this season. Yet, in typical Conte fashion, there is talk of him being unhappy and that he may leave after just one season.
After a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport came out yesterday speaking about Conte being a ‘flame rekindled’ for Milan, the paper’s Milan correspondent Luca Bianchin has shed some further light on things.
“Conte’s name has been circulating again in the last two days. I’m not saying something is going on, but after hearing his words, which sound like a breakup with Napoli, the whole picture makes sense again,” he said (via Football Italia).
“Milan snubbed Conte in the summer, even though he had politely offered himself. In the current situation, both parties have common needs. Then Milan will have to hire a new sports director. Perhaps they don’t even know who they’ll get, let alone the coach, but some thoughts have started.
“It’s a talking point, but nothing is happening still. Conte is more of a guarantee. I’m an admirer of Gasperini, but Conte seems to be the person who can fix what Milan need.
“Gasperini is fascinating, but there are question marks. He’s never been tested at these levels if we don’t consider the Inter experience where he was rejected by ‘senators’ on day one.
“Milan already took risks with foreign coaches, and perhaps they’ll be unwilling to take further risks with an Italian coach who has never coached a top club.”
One thing to remember is that Conte is contracted with Napoli until June 2027 so he would have to break his deal there, and of course Milan would have to change their mind after deciding against him in the summer.
