Chelsea target Conte to announce Italy resignation

Posted Monday, March 14, 2016 by newshub.co.nz

Italy manager Antonio Conte will announce he is stepping down from his position after Euro 2016 ahead of a move to Chelsea, according to reports out of Italy.

Conte has been widely tipped as Chelsea's next manager and reports from Italian TV Rai News suggest he will reveal his plans on his international role on Monday (Tuesday NZT).

Chelsea have been on the search for a long-term replacement for Jose Mourinho since his sacking in December.

The Daily Star reported Chelsea have been paying for Conte's English lessons since the start of the year as they prepare the Italian for life in the Premier League.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is keen on seeing the development of young players graduating to the first team the newspaper added.

Conte, who took over the reins with Italy after the 2014 Football World Cup, has often spoke of his desire to bring in young players to the Italian senior team, favouring the likes of 23-year-old Marco Verratti to Azzurri legend Andrea Pirlo.

The 46-year-old spent his whole playing career in Italy, making 71 appearances for his hometown team Lecce before moving on to play for Italian giants Juventus for 13 seasons.