Conte lined up for stunning return to management after five months in wilderness as European giants make approach

ANTONIO CONTE is being lined up for a return to management after five months away from football.

The former Chelsea boss has been out of work since he was sacked by Tottenham in March.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Conte could soon be back in the dugout in his homeland.

Serie A champions Napoli are said to have formally approached Conte as a potential replacement for Rudi Garcia.

Discussions are expected to take place although no final decision has been made yet.

The report adds that their are plenty of points to discuss before the club choose to proceed with Conte as their preferred candidate.

However, Conte has distanced himself from the rumours.

The Italian said: “I keep hearing constant rumours that link me to important clubs.

"But again I say that for now my only wish is to continue to not work and enjoy my family.”

Garcia is reportedly on the verge of being sacked despite only taking over at Napoli in the summer.

He has won five of his 10 matches in charge since his arrival, but the Italian champions are currently just fifth in the table.

As well as Conte, fellow former Chelsea manager Graham Potter is also understood to be in the running if Garcia is dismissed.

Conte spent just under a year-and-a-half with Spurs before he was let go last season.

During his only full season in North London, he guided the club to a fourth place finish and a return to the Champions League.

The 54-year-old has not managed in his native Italy since leaving Inter Milan in 2021.

Including his title with Inter that year, Conte has won four Serie A titles as a manager as well as the Premier League with Chelsea.