Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad are prepared to offer Antonio Conte a salary of €20 million per season to become their new head coach, though the Italian tactician is reportedly prioritising a return to international management with the Italy national team.
The 56-year-old departed Napoli by mutual consent in early June after two seasons in charge. During his tenure, he secured the Serie A title in his first campaign and added the Supercoppa Italiana in his second term.
The Saudi proposal
According to reports, the Jeddah-based outfit view Conte as the ideal candidate to replace Sergio Conceição. The Portuguese manager’s stint at the helm proved brief, prompting the search for an experienced replacement capable of competing for domestic and continental honours.
The proposed remuneration package would place Conte among the highest-paid managers in world football. Saudi clubs have previously attracted several high-profile European coaches through similar lucrative contracts, though Conte’s potential arrival would represent a significant statement for the Pro League.
Italy return priority
However, Conte faces a significant decision. While the financial package from Saudi Arabia represents a substantial opportunity, sources suggest his preference remains the Italy national team position. He previously served as the Azzurri head coach between 2014 and 2016, guiding the side through Euro 2016 qualifying and the tournament itself.
The Italy job became vacant following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure shortly after the team’s World Cup play-off final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier this year. Conte now stands alongside Roberto Mancini as a leading candidate to succeed him. Mancini, like Conte, is a former national team head coach.
The appointment process remains in its early stages. The newly-elected President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) intends to select a technical director before naming a new head coach. This procedural sequence suggests a decision on the national team bench may not arrive immediately.
For Conte, the situation presents a choice between immediate financial reward in the Middle East and a potentially delayed opportunity to lead his country. With the FIGC timeline uncertain, the former Juventus and Inter Milan boss must weigh whether to wait for the Italy role or accept Al-Ittihad’s substantial proposal.