ANTONIO CONTE will be offered a return to the Italy job BEFORE the end of the season.
His old Azzurri team-mate Alessandro Costacurta, now the Italian FA’s vice-commissioner, confirmed the Chelsea boss is first choice for the role.
Conte, whose Stamford Bridge future is unclear, managed his nation between 2014 and 2016.
And Costacurta, who is leading the search to replace the sacked Gian Piero Ventura, said: “I haven’t chosen yet but I think Conte is the one who could do the best.
“I’ll definitely contact him. He has already shown that he knows how to be a national coach. He did the job well at the European Championships in 2016.
“The other candidates haven’t shown that yet.”
Ex-AC Milan defender Costacurta is also considering former Premier League bosses Roberto Mancini, Carlo Ancelotti, and Claudio Ranieri.
Costacurta, who has put Luigi Di Biagio in temporary charge ahead of next month’s friendly with England at Wembley, added: “I’m looking for a coach, not for a selector.
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“I wouldn’t rule out some coaches like Gian Piero Gasperini of Atalanta or Marco Giampaolo at Sampdoria. They are very good managers and would do a good job.”
But Costacurta has dismissed the claims of current AC Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso, explaining: “I won’t contact him, it would be too soon.
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“I’m sure he could do it in a few years’ time because he has got everything: character and grit.
“But right now I’m looking for someone who has more knowledge or more experience at a top level.”
Italy’s next competitive game is in September as they failed to reach the World Cup.
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