Antonio Conte will step down as Italy manager following Euro 2016 in France, Italian Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio has confirmed.
Speculation surrounding Conte's future has gathered pace in recent months, with the former Juventus boss believed to be the favourite to take charge of Chelsea at the end of the season.
"Antonio Conte has told me that his experience with Italy will end after the Euros," Tavecchio said in a statement. "He misses the training pitch and working with players every day. That's understandable."
The 46-year-old agreed a two-year deal to replace Cesare Prandelli following the 2014 World Cup and will lead the Azzurri into the European Championships this summer.
However, news that he will stand down following the tournament will only further increase claims that Chelsea have enticed the former Juventus midfielder to the Premier League.