July 16 – Just months after Juventus coach Antonio Conte led the club to a third consecutive Serie A title – the first time that has happened since the 1930s – he has suddenly walked out, leading to speculation that he is about to take over the national team.
Speaking to the club’s website, Conte said he had “matured with time and my feelings led me to make this choice. It may be more difficult to keep winning with Juventus.”
Italian coach Cesare Prandelli quit last month following Italy’s exit at the group stage of the World Cup in Brazil. Conte had a year remaining on his contract and Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli said the news of his departure “saddens me greatly”.
Conte made over 500 appearances for Juventus in his playing days, winning five league titles. He returned as coach in 2011 and won Serie A at the first attempt with his side going unbeaten throughout the season.
A second title followed but the summer of 2013 saw him embroiled in a match-fixing scandal involving his time as coach of Siena.
He pleaded his innocence but received a 10-month touchline ban – later reduced to four months on appeal – and promptly led Juve to yet another title.
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