Italy crashed out of the 2026 World Cup playoffs last week, losing 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica after the match ended 1-1. Moise Kean put the Azzurri ahead but Alessandro Bastoni's red card before half-time proved decisive, and Italy's shootout woes continued as Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante both failed to convert.
The fallout has been swift and brutal. FIGC president Gabriele Gravina resigned, followed by legendary goalkeeper and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon. Coach Gennaro Gattuso, the former AC Milan and Napoli midfielder who took charge nine months ago, has also left his post.
A federation presidential election is scheduled for June 22, with former AC Milan and Italy defender Paolo Maldini emerging as a potential candidate to replace Gravina.
On the coaching front, Conte — who led the Azzurri between 2014 and 2016 before taking Inter Milan, Chelsea and now Napoli to league titles — has acknowledged his name is in the frame.
"I know that my name is on that list, and if I were FIGC president I would consider myself among the candidates," said the Napoli boss. "Representing your country is something extraordinary. I've already worked with the national team and I know the environment."
Conte also addressed his future at Napoli, where he has one year remaining on his contract. "At the end of the season I will sit down with the president to discuss," he said.
Massimiliano Allegri, currently at AC Milan, is also in contention for the role.