Antonio Conte named new Italy coach

Former Juventus manager Antonio Conte was confirmed as the new coach of Italy after signing a two-year contract on Thursday.

The Italian football federation announced the appointment, three days after new president Carlo Tavecchio was elected. Tavecchio and Conte spoke on the phone early Thursday.

Conte will be presented at a news conference in Rome on Tuesday.

His contract runs to July 31, 2016, following the European Championship in France.

Conte's first match in charge will be a friendly at home to the Netherlands, in Bari on Sept. 4. Italy kicks off its Euro 2016 qualifying campaign away to Norway, five days later.

It also plays Croatia, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan and Malta in Group H.

The 45-year-old Conte replaces Cesare Prandelli, who resigned — along with former FIGC president Giancarlo Abete — immediately after Italy's early elimination from the World Cup in Brazil.

The FIGC said Conte's deal, which will be in line with what Prandelli earned, also included bonuses for qualifying for Euro 2016, reaching the final, and improving the Azzurri's world ranking by five or more places.

His job also includes co-ordinating the national youth teams, replacing Arrigo Sacchi.

Conte quit Juventus last month, shortly after steering the club to a third successive Serie A title.

"Juventus wishes Antonio Conte all the best with his new role as coach of the Italian national side," the club tweeted.