Al-Ittihad’s €20m Offer for Conte: Will He Choose Saudi Riches or Italy’s Azzurri?

FolioPitch.com – 30 June 2026 | Report Al-Ittihad willing to offer Conte 20m salary to take over as head coach has emerged as one of the most talked-about stories in football circles. The Saudi Pro League club, fresh off a disappointing season, is prepared to break the bank to secure the services of the former Napoli and Chelsea boss. According to multiple sources, the proposal is worth €20 million per season, a figure that would make Conte one of the highest-paid coaches in the world.

The report Al-Ittihad willing to offer Conte 20m salary to take over as head coach comes just weeks after the Italian tactician parted ways with Napoli by mutual consent. Conte led Napoli to the Serie A title in his first season and the Supercoppa Italiana in his second, but his departure was widely expected after a tumultuous campaign. Now, the 56-year-old finds himself at a crossroads, with two compelling options on the table.

On one hand, Al-Ittihad’s offer is financially staggering. The club, which recently hired and fired Sergio Conceicao after a brief stint, is desperate for a marquee name to restore its status. The report Al-Ittihad willing to offer Conte 20m salary to take over as head coach underscores the club’s ambition to compete with the likes of Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. With players such as Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté already in the squad, Conte would inherit a roster capable of challenging for titles immediately.

However, Conte’s heart may lie closer to home. The Corriere dello Sport reports that the Italy national team job remains his ‘priority’. After Gennaro Gattuso’s departure following the World Cup play-off heartbreak against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the FIGC is searching for a new technical director before appointing a head coach. Conte and Roberto Mancini are the two frontrunners, and the newly-elected FIGC president is expected to make a decision soon.

Conte’s previous tenure with the Azzurri was largely successful, though it ended after Euro 2016. Returning to the national team would allow him to lead Italy in the upcoming European Championship qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup. The allure of representing his country is strong, but the financial gap between the two offers is vast. While the Italy job would pay a fraction of Al-Ittihad’s proposal, it offers prestige and the chance to write a new chapter in Italian football history.

The report Al-Ittihad willing to offer Conte 20m salary to take over as head coach also raises questions about Conte’s future in club management. After stints at Juventus, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Napoli, he has proven his ability to win trophies. But at 56, he may be considering the longevity of his career. A move to Saudi Arabia could be a lucrative final payday, whereas the Italy job could be a stepping stone to another club role later.

Al-Ittihad’s offer is not just about the salary; the club has also promised significant transfer funds and full control over footballing decisions. Conte is known for demanding autonomy, and Al-Ittihad seems willing to provide it. However, the competitive level of the Saudi league and the cultural shift are potential drawbacks. Conte has spent his entire career in Europe, and adapting to a new environment could be challenging.

Meanwhile, the Italy national team is in a rebuilding phase. With a young core of players like Nicolò Barella, Federico Chiesa, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, Conte could mold a new generation. The FIGC is likely to make a decision within weeks, and Conte’s camp is reportedly waiting for that timeline. If the Italy offer materializes, it could trump the Saudi millions.

In conclusion, the report Al-Ittihad willing to offer Conte 20m salary to take over as head coach has placed Antonio Conte at the center of a high-stakes tug-of-war between ambition and sentiment. While the financial incentive is undeniable, his emotional connection to Italy and the chance to lead the Azzurri may ultimately prevail. Football fans around the world will be watching closely as this saga unfolds, with the next few weeks likely to determine Conte’s next destination.