Carlo Tavecchio hints at appointment of Antonio Conte

FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio has suggested that Antonio Conte is the leading candidate to be named Italy's new head coach.

Tavecchio officially started work in his new role this week, and has admitted that preliminary talks with the former Juventus manager were promising, despite conceding that he was not the only coach he had spoken to about the position.

"I got up at 7am and immediately set to work," Tavecchio told La Repubblica. "I spoke to Conte and three or four more.

"I have no answers just yet, otherwise I would say so, but Conte seemed a decent person.

"I am optimistic for the federation and for Italy, so we'll see. Would Conte be a nice gift for Italians? I have to say yes."

Conte departed Juventus in July after winning the Serie A title in all three of the seasons he spent at the club.