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Antonio Conte ‘could quit Chelsea at the end of the season’ as he plots return to Italy

Italian has already told radio stations in his home country that he "longs for a return" in the near future

CHELSEA boss Antonio Conte is considering quitting the club at the end of the season, according to reports.

The Italian is currently in his second season at Stamford Bridge after winning the Premier League title but has already made it clear he wants a return to Italy in the future.

 Chelsea manager Antonio Conte could quit the club at the end of the season
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Chelsea manager Antonio Conte could quit the club at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty Images - Getty

And according to the Express, it could be as soon as next May whatever the outcome of Chelsea's season.

Just last month he told an Italian radio station: "I miss Italy, that's beyond doubt, so once I have had some important and life-changing experiences, I will be back.

"I have a longing for Italy, that’s beyond any doubt."

Conte, who has a deal at the Blues until the summer of 2019, reportedly came close to resigning just last summer over disagreements with the club's hierarchy.

 The Chelsea boss has already admitted how he longs for a return to Italy
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The Chelsea boss has already admitted how he longs for a return to ItalyCredit: EPA
 Antonio Conte reportedly had a falling out with chairman Roman Abramovich in the summer over club transfers
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Antonio Conte reportedly had a falling out with chairman Roman Abramovich in the summer over club transfersCredit: AP:Associated Press

The Italian was left furious when he was barred from speaking to Ross Barkley over fears he would scupper the deal - which fell through anyway. 

Conte, 48, was also criticised for the way he handled Diego Costa's fallout at the club after the gaffer told the Spaniard by text that he wasn't in his first-team plans.

Costa then went AWOL and refused to return to pre-season claiming the champions had treated him "like a criminal."

The former Juventus manager has already been linked with moves back to Serie A with Inter Milan and AC Milan.

 Antonio Conte has been linked with moves back to Italy with both Inter and AC Milan
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Antonio Conte has been linked with moves back to Italy with both Inter and AC MilanCredit: PA:Empics Sport

Sleeping giants AC could be looking to sack their manager, Vincenzo Montella, after their sluggish start to the season.

They sit seventh following four wins and three defeats in their first seven matches - nine points behind first place Napoli.

And after investing heavily last summer, Montella's minimum expectations was to fire the Italian side back into Europe.

 

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