Chelsea boss Antonio Conte reportedly rejects second Italy job offer as Azzurri finally admit defeat

ANTONIO CONTE will not become Italy's manager for the second time, according to reports.

The under-pressure Chelsea boss has finally convinced the Italian Football Federation he is not interested in returning to the job he held between 2014 and 2016.

5

Federation vice-commissioner Alessandro Costacurta had hoped to persuade the former Italy international midfielder otherwise.

Conte has had his fair share of problems of late at Stamford Bridge after criticising the Chelsea board over its transfer policy.

He could even be removed from his post - especially if the Blues come up short at Watford on Monday night.

report that Costacurta insisted Conte was still a candidate.

5

5

Chelsea Transfer Stories

TONGUE TIED

Fans spot what Pickford did to 'rattle' Haaland before City man missed penalty

JHON AND OFF

Villa star Duran SENT OFF for moment of madness that left Newcastle fuming

HORROR INJURY

West Ham keeper Fabianski stretchered off in worrying scenes

GREAT KAMEO

Fans have 'tears in eyes' as Kamara reunited with Stelling in shock TV return

Apparently, and despite Conte confirming otherwise on Friday, Costacurta revealed he was going to travel to London for talks.

But Costacurta now concedes: "Antonio Conte has pulled out.

RASH DECISION Man Utd star 'could be forced to leave' if Jose Mourinho signs Ajax wonderkid Justin Kluivert

"As Conte reiterated the other day, he wants to continue working as a coach on a day-by-day basis at club level for at least the next 18 months, the length of his Chelsea contract, so he has pulled out of the running.”

Conte will instead concentrate on ensuring Chelsea finish in a Champions League spot.

5

5

It seems former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini, now with Zenit St Petersburg, could manage Italy now.

There is, though, a school of thought supporting the promotion of Under-21 coach Luigi di Biagio.

Di Biagio will be in charge on a caretaker-basis of two friendlies with Argentina and England next month.

MOST READ IN FOOTBALL

FESTIVE FIXTURES

Palmer puts Chelsea ahead, Man Utd on later, City held to draw by Everton

NET WORTH

Football’s most explosive divorces…including split over twins fathered by ex

THAT'S YOUR LAUT

Chelsea ready to 'offer three players and cash' for Inter Milan captain

MAN DOWN

Grealish and Walker OUT of Man City's crucial Boxing Day clash against Everton

Italy, of course, failed to qualify for the World Cup. Should they appoint Di Biagio it would mirror England's decision to promote former Under-21 coach Gareth Southgate from within.

Costacurta added: “Southgate went along this path and it happens quite often. Di Biagio knows the talents who are in Italy.

“If nothing happens in the meantime, the new national coach will be announced in June.”