Italian Football Federation president confirms Antonio Conte is a candidate for Azzurri role

Italian Football President Carlo Tavecchio has revealed that Antonio Conte is one of the key candidates to become the country's next manager. The Azzurri parted ways with Gian Piero Ventura earlier this month after their shock loss to Sweden which saw them miss out on the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

Speaking to an Italian station, Tavecchio revealed the name of a number high-profile managers including Conte, who could take charge of the Azzurri permanently next summer, he said: "Allegri and Mancini? You’re getting warmer. Conte? Fire. We’re looking for the best. They already have commitments until June from a contractual point of view. Then when we get to June, who will be free? The ones are Ancelotti, Conte, Allegri, Ranieri and Mancini. This is the truth of those available."

Conte managed Italy for two years between 2014 and 2016 before linking up with Chelsea. The 48-year-old inked an improved contract with the Premier League holders earlier in the summer, but his future is still under question amid his disappointment over the club's summer recruitment. The likes of Alvaro Morata and Tiemoue Bakayoko have made an instant impression following their summer arrivals, but the manager is nevertheless frustrated with the Blues' inability to sign his other targets who could have made a significant impact this season.

Chelsea are currently trailing league leaders Manchester City by nine points after 12 games played, and there is a suggestion that the Blues could spend reasonably in the New Year in order to convince Conte to stay beyond the end of the current campaign. Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti is alleged to have turned down the opportunity to become Italy's next manager following his recent dismissal from Bayern Munich. The former AC Milan boss has already set his sights on a sabbatical for the rest of the year, and he is said to favour continuing his managerial reign with a Premier League club next summer.