The saga is finally over, as after months of rumours and reports Chelsea finally announced Antonio Conte as their next manager yesterday, with the Italian boss taking charge at Stamford Bridge after this summer’s European Championships.
It’s a gutsy call from Chelsea, who have had their fair share of Italian managers in the past with mixed success, and Conte’s lack of experience in English football could cause problems. However, there’s one way the 46-year-old can help himself settle.
With the former Juventus boss now managing Italy’s national team, Conte has a vast knowledge of the nation and the footballers plying their trade there. As such, moving for Italian internationals that he’s worked with in recent years could hand Chelsea a timely boost.
Chelsea will see many things change at Stamford Bridge this summer and signing Italian internationals would certainly help to ensure a smooth transition, so we’ve identified five players he should definitely have on his shopping list!
Hit Conte below to see FIVE Italian internationals he should sign this summer!
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Leonardo Bonucci
Identified as a prime replacement for John Terry this summer, and a target whether the current club captain stays or not, Leonardo Bonucci is a player who Antonio Conte has a strong relationship with due to their years together with Juventus and Italy.
It’s been clear this season that Chelsea’s defence needs improvements and adding the 28-year-old to their squad would be a shrewd move, as he has the experience to lead the back-line as well as providing a boost for Chelsea for years to come.
With Kurt Zouma continuing to grow, learning from Bonucci could prove to be highly valuable- especially when added to the guidance John Terry would have provided.
Emmanuel Giaccherini
Let’s face it, Emmanuel Giaccherini isn’t a player that Chelsea fans dream about. However, the Blues may have to lower their expectations due to their lack of Champions League football. With Giaccherini currently with a struggling Sunderland side, it’s an opportunity he’d jump to.
Whilst not the biggest fish in the pond, Giaccherini has worked with Conte in Italy’s set-up and is a favourite player of the former Juventus boss. His addition wouldn’t be too costly and may end up becoming a bargain.
Lorenzo Insigne
With Chelsea in search of a quality striker to improve their forward options and preferably eyeing a player who can lead the line for years to come, Lorenzo Insigne seems the perfect fit. Currently with an inconsistent Napoli side, Insigne would thrive in the Premier League.
He has the ability to improve in the future and is already a deadly finisher, who could tear the Premier League alight with the right support. He may seek Champions League football but with Conte in charge, Chelsea have a connection to the young forward that no other side could boast.
Marco Verratti
A dream signing for a Chelsea side that need vast improvements to their midfield, the chances of Paris Saint-Germain letting Marco Verratti out of their clutches are very slim. However, it’s set to be all change at PSG this summer and the midfielder may seek new opportunities.
Ligue 1 isn’t the most competitive of leagues and PSG look a bit off competing for European honours, so Verratti has already got his hands of all trophies within his reach at Paris. Chelsea and the Premier League could also offer staggering wages, which may attract his attention.
Stephan El Shaarawy
Two years ago Stephan El Shaarawy was considered one of the hottest properties in world football but the rave about the winger has cooled. Injuries cost him his place in the AC Milan set-up and an ill-fated spell with Monaco soon followed.
However, the 23-year-old Egyptian born ace has rekindled his form at Roma and has excelled in his return to the Serie A. Still owned by AC Milan, El Shaarawy’s future remains undecided and the San Siro side may elect to sell to Chelsea, who could easily outbid Roma.
