Napoli are considering Thiago Motta as a replacement if Antonio Conte leaves to coach the Italy national football team.

Napoli are already planning for a possible managerial change, with reports suggesting they have identified Thiago Motta as a leading candidate should Antonio Conte depart to take charge of the Italy national football team.

Conte has emerged as one of the frontrunners for the national team job following the departure of Gennaro Gattuso. The Italian Football Federation is assessing several candidates as it looks to appoint a new coach after the recent disappointment.

Other names mentioned in connection with the role include Massimiliano Allegri, Roberto Mancini and even Pep Guardiola, although Conte remains among the favorites.

Conte himself acknowledged the speculation, stating that he would consider himself for the position if he were making the decision. He also admitted that representing the national team again would be a special opportunity. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has hinted that he would not block Conte if he chooses to accept the Italy role. The club owner suggested he would allow the coach to leave should the opportunity arise.

Conte is under contract with Napoli until the end of the 2025–26 season, meaning the club may need to act quickly if the situation develops. This uncertainty has prompted Napoli to begin exploring possible replacements.

According to reports, Motta is currently at the top of Napoli’s shortlist. The former coach, who left Juventus last season, had also been considered by Napoli previously when Luciano Spalletti departed for the Italy job in 2023. Other potential options reportedly under consideration include Fabio Grosso of Sassuolo and Vincenzo Italiano of Bologna, as Napoli prepare contingency plans in case Conte decides to take on the national team role.