Antonio Conte is to step down as coach of Italy after Euro 2016, clearing the way for his appointment at Chelsea.
The decision was announced by the president of the Italian FA, Carlo Tavecchio, who called the decision “understandable” although he did not mention Chelsea.
Conte is expected to take the reins at Stamford Bridge this summer although nothing has been made official as yet.
"Conte will leave the national team after the European Championship, " Tavecchio said.
“He hears the call of the pitch and of daily work, which is understandable.”
Conte has already held talks with Chelsea, who have agreed that he can bring in his own backroom staff, and is expected to sign a three-year contract.
Conte is looking to bring in his long-time assistants, Angelo Alessio and Massimo Carrera, as well as another two colleagues with him to west London, with the scouts Mauro Sandreani and Gianluca Conte, his brother, in the frame for those positions.
Chelsea have said in talks that the Italian can bring in four full-time members of staff. Steve Holland, the current assistant first-team coach at Chelsea, is expected to stay on at the club regardless of who takes over in the summer.
Chelsea went out of the Champions League on Wednesday night, losing 2-1 in the return leg against Paris Saint-Germain, having lost the first leg by the same scoreline. Guus Hiddink’ suffered another crucial defeat as interim manager when Chelsea were knocked out of the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, a game in which Diego Costa was sent off.
Conte’s contract with Italy runs out after the Euro 2016 finals in France. The former Juventus player won three consecutive Serie A titles as manager of the Turin club before taking over from Cesare Prandelli as Italy coach in the summer of 2014.
Guardian services
