ANTONIO CONTE will take charge of Chelsea after completing his spell as Italy coach at the European Championship with the task of revitalizing a team in decline.

    Roman Abramovich made the 46-year-old his 10th managerial appointment in 13 years as Chelsea owner despite the former Juventus player and coach facing match-fixing charges in Italy.

    Chelsea announced Monday that Conte, who has coached Italy since 2014, signed a three-year contract to be Jose Mourinho’s permanent successor.

    “Everything is clear and we can end the speculation,” Conte said. “I will continue to focus on my job with the Italian national team and will reserve speaking about Chelsea again until after the Euros.”

    Conte might only have a month to prepare for the new season if Italy reaches the Euro 2016 final July 10, with the Premier League kicking off Aug. 13.

    “Antonio Conte has a record of consistent success in his career as a manager and as a player,” Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said. “We look forward to welcoming him to Stamford Bridge and are confident he will find all he needs to maintain that high standard of achievement.”

    Mourinho was fired in December halfway through Chelsea’s dismal defense of the Premier League title, with Guus Hiddink returning for a second spell as interim manager to keep the seat warm for Conte. The London club is currently 10th in the league — 25 points behind leader Leicester City — and will not be playing in Europe next season.

    (SD-Agencies)