Antonio Conte sacked: Chelsea boss’ future at Stamford Bridge is safe after betting firms spark sack rumours

CHELSEA are standing by under-pressure boss Antonio Conte after a series of shock bets placed in London on the Italian’s future sparked rumours he would be sacked.

Following a flurry of punts on Thursday afternoon, the former Italy boss was the firm favourite to be the second manager to lose his job, after Swansea decided to swap bosses before the international break. But his job is safe.

Reuters

SunBets, Betway and Paddy Power suspended betting on Conte being the second Premier League boss to get the boot.

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Other bookies also slashed their odds but the former Italy manage is safe in the Chelsea role, despite the Blues suffering defeats to title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal already this season.

PA:Press Association

Conte was handed a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge after he vacated his job as Italy manager after the 2016 European Championships this summer.

The club’s transfer actions have been underwhelming, however, with David Luiz returning and N’Golo Kante looking a shadow of the player who starred at Leicester.

Conte’s list of transfer targets was packed with Italy-based defenders to shore up the side that surrendered their title with a whimper last season.

But Leonardo Bonucci and Kalidou Koulibaly remained at Juve and Napoli respectively.

Conte is allegedly eager to bring old pal Walter Sabatini in as director of football with current transfer guru Michael Emenalo losing the role.

But the technical director is highly-rated by Roman Abramovich and Conte is going to have to learn to work with the permanent fixture who has seen off a host of managers.

Chelsea host champions Leicester on Saturday at Stamford Bridge, with a 12.30pm.

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