Chelsea target Antonio Conte to quit Italy job

Antonio Conte is to step down as Italy head coach after Euro 2016.

The Italian Football Association announced Conte, who is tipped to become Chelsea’s next manager, has decided not to renew his contract with the national side.

The contract expires after the tournament.

#FIGC, #Tavecchio: “Conte will leave after Euro 2016” https://t.co/7BAhcM2Sk5 pic.twitter.com/7HPaqImNjZ

— ItalianFootballDaily (@ItalianFD) March 15, 2016

“At the moment my focus is on the Euros, where we’ll try with hard work and sacrifice to do our best at the tournament.

“Anyone who knows me, knows I will give my total commitment to this. I feel I should go back to being a club manager, to have the chance to train with players every day.

“I want to thank the president and everyone at the federation who has followed me in this wonderful adventure,” Conte said.

Dutchman Guus Hiddink is currently interim manager at the London club after the Blues parted ways with Jose Mourinho in December after a poor run of form.

Conte took over as Italy coach after the 2014 World Cup. He oversaw the country’s qualification for this summer’s European Championship in France.

As coach, he won three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus.

Conte is a former Italy midfielder who made over 500 appearances for Juventus. He won five league titles and a Champions League.

He has 35 caps for Italy, and was part of the squad that was beaten by France in the final of Euro 2000.