After getting sacked by Atalanta in January 2010, few would have imagined that Antonio Conte will eventually cement himself as one of the most successful managers in the world throughout the following decade. After bouncing back with a Serie B triumph at Siena, the former Bianconeri captain returned to lead his old club from the dugout, and the rest is history. From Juventus all the way to their fierce rivals Inter, we’ll rank the four major tenures (this far) in the exceptional coaching career of Antonio Conte.
4- Italy (2016 – 2018)
Whilst many coaches opt to delay international management to the latter stages of their careers, the Lecce native decided to respond to his nation’s call relatively early.
Following his unceremonious exit from Juventus in the summer 2014, Conte took the vacant Italy post, and managed to build a strong group that was heavily based on the players he coached in Turin.
Despite putting up some solid displays at Euro 2016 – including wins over Belgium and Spain – the Azzurri’s campaign ended with a dramatic shootouts defeat at the hands of Germany in the quarter final round.
The manager decided to quit his post following the elimination, preferring to return to coaching on daily basis.
Although he didn’t embarrass himself during his time with Italy, but it remains the tactician’s lone trophy-less stint amongst his major tenures.
Does anyone else frequently think about the sporting miracle Antonio Conte produced at Euro 2016 with a starting strike pairing of fucking Eder and Pellè? pic.twitter.com/op1PI8JF72
— Francesco (@FRANCESCalciO_) June 11, 2021
3- Inter (2019 – 2021)
When Conte shockingly walked away from Juventus on the second day of pre-season, the Bianconeri fans were left with a sour taste within their mouths, so you can only imagine what they felt when they saw their former captain and manager sign for Inter five years later.
During his first season at the Giuseppe Meazza, the manager came close, but not close enough, finishing second in the Seire A table, whilst garnering a runners-up medal in the Europa League.
Nonetheless, that season laid the foundation for a successful second campaign (at least domestically), with the Nerazzurri securing their first Scudetto title since 2010, thus ending the Old Lady’s nine-year winning dynasty.
But with the club facing some serious financial difficulties that is forcing the management to downsize their project, the Italian coach decided to take the highway before things get ugly.
Antonio Conte ? Shock moves
Juventus: Wins three straight Scudettos and three straight Panchina d'Oro's — leaves
Italy National Team: Goes to QF's of EURO 2016 — leaves
Chelsea: Wins EPL title in 2016-17, wins 2018 FA Cup — leaves
Inter: Wins 2020-21 Scudetto — leaves pic.twitter.com/dvBrF8WVzP
— International Champions Cup (@IntChampionsCup) May 26, 2021
2- Chelsea (2016 – 2018)
Whilst some would point out at his disappointing second season in West London, Conte wasn’t the first nor the last manager to suffer from a quick fall from grace at the Stanford Bridge.
However, winning the Premier League title from his first attempt remains a remarkable achievement, especially considering the ordinary squad that was at his disposal.
Surely he had the brilliant Eden Hazard on the left flank, with Diego Costa bullying the English defenses and N’Golo Kanté running all over the pitch, but regular starters such as Victor Moses, Marcos Alonso and an aging Pedro weren’t considered championship-material.
Whilst the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and even Manchester United arguably had better squads at the time, Antonio’s shrewd tactics and lively personality gave Chelsea the edge as they comfortably ran away with the title.
Wishing a Very Happy 52nd Birthday to Antonio Conte ?
Conte's 1st Season at Chelsea:
Games: 38
Wins: 30
Draws: 3
Defeats: 5
Goals Scored: 85
Goals Conceded: 33
Points Gained: 93And Chelsea became the first team in Premier League history to win 30 games in a 38-game season! pic.twitter.com/x5z1WwKOD5
— Nouman (@nomifooty) July 31, 2021
1- Juventus (2011 – 2014)
Was their any doubt? After back-to-back 7th place finishes, Juventus needed a savior, and turned for a familiar face – although an experienced one.
Since his arrival to Turin, Conte restored the fighting spirit that was lacking at Juventus, and led the club towards its first Scudetto title in the post-Calciopoli era, before adding two more.
Despite being berated for his failures in Europe, the manager was one of the major architects behind the launch of the longest winning dynasty in Serie A history, which gives him a special place in the club’s books, despite his more-recent “betrayal”.
Buffon: “The happiest moment of my Juventus career? In Trieste, when I won the Scudetto with Conte . It was the closing of a cycle that gave strength to my choices as a player.” pic.twitter.com/SbPTXEmQgz
— Khaled Al Nouss (@khaledalnouss1) May 30, 2021