Antonio Conte stressed ongoing loyalty to Napoli while dismissing renewed links with the Italy job after a 1-1 draw against Parma. Conte’s comments followed growing speculation about a possible return to the Azzurri, even though a year remains on Conte’s contract with the Serie A club.

Speaking after the match, Conte criticised how recent interviews were reported and underlined that his contract situation had not changed. Conte told Rai Radio 1, via Football Italia: “I did not say I was available for anything, Conte told Rai Radio 1, as reported by Football Italia. I have another year on my contract with Napoli, then at the end of theseasonI will speak to the president. I would urge you to interpret my words correctly, because if they are going to be twisted, then I won’t speak at all anymore.”

Interest around Conte intensified after Italy’s failure to reach the World Cup led to Gennaro Gattuso leaving the national team role. Conte, who coached Italy from 2014 to 2016, appeared to hint last week that a second spell might appeal, which triggered debate about a possible change of job.

Despite the noise around the Italy position, Conte currently has Napoli chasing the Serie A title. Napoli sit second in the table, though the club trails leaders Inter by nine points, underlining the size of the task in the title race.

Conte’s comments make clear that any decision about the Italy job will not be addressed before the club season ends. Conte intends to talk with the Napoli president when the campaign finishes, while focus for now stays on league form and closing the gap on Inter.