Ex-Spurs and Chelsea boss ‘agrees’ to manage European powerhouse next season

Former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has agreed to make a sensational return to management with a European powerhouse, according to reports.

The serial-winning manager has tasted success with the likes of Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan in his career - but his most recent spell in management ended on sour terms as he was sacked by Tottenham in March 2023. 

The 54-year-old’s exit came just days after a controversial interview where the Italian accused his players of having a ‘losing’ mentality - claiming that for that reason the club had failed to win silverware for over 15 years.

Conte has been out of football for 10 months despite various links to jobs both in Europe and Saudi Arabia. However, he is now lined up to start a new role in management with AC Milan from the start of next season, according to reports from Telelombardia, a regional television outlet, via Football Italia. 

The prospect of Conte returning to the San Siro will not come without controversy. The ex-Italian national team coach enjoyed a hugely successful two-year stint with Inter Milan between 2019 and 2021 which notably ended with him lifting the Serie A title.

Conte is regarded as one of the best Serie A manager’s of the modern era and also enjoyed a sustained period of success with Italian giants Juventus between 2011 and 2014.

During his time with the Old Lady he guided the team to an unbeaten season in his debut campaign - ending a nine-year wait for a title. 

He followed this up with a further two title defences and notably smashed the Serie A record points tally in his final season as Juventus won their 30th title with a staggering 102 points. 

Conte’s arrival at AC Milan would see him oust title-winning manager Stefano Pioli after more than four years in the dugout.

Milan are hardly enduring a disastrous campaign this season - sitting in third position after 22 games. However, they are eight points adrift of rivals Inter in the title race and also failed to build on last season’s semi-final in the Champions League, instead finishing third in the group stage and dropping into the Europa League.