Chelsea set for battle with Serie A giants for next coach

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Chelsea are reportedly set to face competition from Roma next summer as both clubs look to appoint Italy coach Antonio Conte.

According to La Repubblica, as reported by Football Italia, the two clubs are aware of the fact that the former Juventus boss will see his contract with the FIGC expire after Euro 2016.

While contract extension talks will wait until after the tournament, it is unclear as to whether or not Conte will be interested in continuing in the post, as he may well be tempted to return to club management.

As a result, with Roma and Chelsea reportedly interested, he is unlikely to be short of options next summer with both clubs looking for long-term stability.

While Jose Mourinho was sacked at Stamford Bridge last week, Guus Hiddink has since been appointed on an interim basis with a view of leaving at the end of the season.

As a result, there will be an opening for Conte in London if he is keen on a move abroad having spent his entire coaching career in his homeland to this point.

Meanwhile, Roma face a tricky decision as the pressure continues to build on current coach Rudi Garcia, despite a 2-0 win over Genoa prior to the winter break.

The Giallorossi endured a miserable end to 2015 on the whole which saw them humiliated by Barcelona in the Champions League and go without a win in Serie A for four games.

In addition, they crashed out of the Coppa Italia after losing to Spezia, and so questions were naturally asked about Garcia’s future in the Italian capital.

Whether or not the Frenchman turns things around in 2016 and convinces the board that he is still the right man for the job remains to be seen, but Conte may well be tempted to join the Serie A giants if the role is available.

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