Antonio Conte’s odds on returning to manage Italy have been slashed after it was confirmed he is of interest to the Italian Football Federation.

Former Juventus boss Conte had two-years in charge of the Azzurri before take over at Chelsea in 2016.

Conte had a brilliant first season in charge, leading The Blues to the Premier League title – but his future is far from certain at the club after an in-different campaign as well as public clashes with the club about off-field issues.

Italy – who sacked Gian Piero Ventura after his failure to get them to the World Cup finals – have now instructed their vice-commissioner Alessandro Costacurta to find their new boss, and he admits that Conte is his first choice.

“I haven’t chosen yet but I think Conte is the one who could do the best. I’ll definitely talk with him in a couple of months,” Costacurta said.

In reaction to this, Bookmakers have cut Conte’s odds to 5/1 to be next Italian boss – he is already odds-on to have left Chelsea, with Coral making him 1/2 to have left Stamford Bridge by the start of next season.

“The odds firmly suggest Antonio Conte won’t be at Chelsea next season, while we have seen a flurry of bets for the Italian to take charge of his national team where he looks to be Italy’s number one target,” said Coral’s John Hill.