ANTONIO CONTE is unlikely to leave Premier League champion Chelsea for a return to Serie A, Conte’s outgoing assistant Steve Holland said.

The Italian has been linked with a move back to his homeland after just one season in England.

He has, however, enjoyed a productive 12 months at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea falling narrowly short in their efforts to secure a league and FA Cup double.

Holland, who is leaving the club to take on a full-time role with England, is confident stability in the dugout will be maintained, regardless of reported interest from Inter. “It is a natural consequence, but I would be very surprised if Antonio isn’t at Chelsea next season.”

Conte did tell television show Emigratis in April when asked if he intended to return to Serie A at some stage: “Yes. My heart is always in Italy.”

He did, however, give no timescale on those plans and committed to a three-year contract upon his arrival at Chelsea.

(SD-Agencies)