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Antonio Conte could be confirmed as the next Chelsea managerAntonio Conte is reportedly in line to become the next boss of Chelsea. Everyone's been saying it, from respected journalists of The Times and Sky Sports to big-name managers like Fabio Capello. Having guided Juventus to three Scudetto titles in a row, Conte set himself up as one of the wanted managers in world football. With the match-fixing claims having not yet settled down, Conte decided to leave Juventus and was offered the Italian National Team job. Now, having been strongly linked with joining Chelsea, Conte will get the chance to do what he does best, get results from a giant. Chelsea are having an off-season but with the talent in the squad can definitely make it higher up in the league. However, for them to win, they're going to need to bring in a few more players. Here are five players Conte could bring to Chelsea who could impact the Londoners and help them in the pursuit of another Premier League and Champions League title:
#5 Alessio Romagnoli
Antonio Conte is the archetypical Italian manager who builds a team around a strong back-line. Three centre-backs, two wing-backs and a defensive midfielder capable of cross-field passes. At Chelsea, with the touted departure of John Terry, Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma will continue to remain as the only senior centre-backs.
Enter Alessio Romagnoli. A 21-year-old centre-back often described as the future of the Italian national team. He's tall, he's quick and reads the game unlike anyone AC Milan have right now. He's so good, he's been linked with moves to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich but with Conte – an Italian manager – Romagnoli could very well switch the San Siro for Stamford Bridge.
AC Milan have had a poor season in the Serie A but one of the bright sparks for the team is the emergence and the consistency of young Romagnoli. If Conte does take the Chelsea job, this youngster could be one of the ones heading to London.
Alternatives: Daniele Rugani (Juventus) and Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
#4 Marco Verratti
At Juventus and Italy, Conte had the luxury of using Andrea Pirlo. A defensive-minded midfielder capable of spraying passes across the field. At Chelsea, Conte will have no one who can do that and contribute well defensively meaning Cesc Fabregas will either be shunted out wide as one of the arms of the diamond or played further up front.
Verratti could very well come into the Chelsea ship and occupy the bottom of the diamond. He's agile enough to read and intercept passes but more importantly is capable of making those passes from a deep position.
Chelsea haven't had a player of Verratti's ability simply because their current system doesn't need that kind of player but Conte has insisted on a deep-lying midfielder while fielding out both Juventus and the Italian national team. Verratti, however, will not come cheap from Paris Saint-Germain. He's the jewel in Paris' crown and Laurent Blanc will demand quite a hefty price for the 23-year-old Italian.
Alternatives: Ilkay Gundagon (Borussia Dortmund) and Mateo Kovai (Real Madrid)
#3 Mattia De Sciglio
Chelsea don't have the best-fulls in the peak of their forms. César Azpilicueta being the only exception. Branislav Ivanovic had a torrid first-half of the season but has since improved but has proved that age is catching up with him. A change of position or a change of club could be the answer.
While Baba Rahman has impressed since coming into the squad, he doesn't look like the kind of signing Conte would like. Rahman often bombs down his wing contributing well to his attack but leaves his defensive duties to either Nemanja Matic or the left-sided centre-half.
Mattia De Sciglio has oddly had a poor season with AC Milan but still contributes well defensively and a change in scenery could well revitalise his career. At 23, he's already been capped 22 times for the Italian national team and is one of the full-backs Conte prefers. A move to Stamford Bridge could do both parties – De Sciglio and Chelsea – a world of good.
Alternatives: Davide Zappacosta (Torino) and Gino Peruzzi (Boca Juniors)
#2 Paulo Dybala
Diego Costa has been an incredible signing for Chelsea ever since signing from Atletico Madrid. He's led the team to a Premier League title and has been instrumental this season in their revival from the pit of the table.
Yet, he could very well be heading out of Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian is a great striker converting half-chances with ease but his temper, his explosive style of play isn't something Conte is seen trying to inculcate within his players. A player of Paulo Dybala's stature would very well fit Chelsea.
He's young, extremely quick on and off the ball, and has an eye for goal that's almost unmatched by anyone in his age bracket. At Juventus, he's been a superstar lifting the team almost single-handedly on plenty of occasions, scoring vital goals and setting up teammates with ease.
Much like everyone else on this list, Dybala will cost a lot of money. With departures expected at Chelsea this season – the likes of Oscar, John Obi Mikel and Loic Remy – cash will be available to sign potential world-beaters like Dybala.
Alternatives: Luciano Vietto (Atletico Madrid) and Paco Alcácer (Valencia)
#1 Leonardo Bonucci
The rock at the back of both Juventus and Italy, Bonucci – along with Giorgio Chiellini – is one the best defenders in the world right now. The Italian has a lethal combination of pace, intelligence and positioning making him the perfect replacement for Chelsea legend, John Terry.
Bonucci has time and again proved what a valuable asset he's been for Juventus organising the defence and clearing out threats with ease but in the Premier League, might find it a little harder adjusting given the physicality and the pace the English is so famous for.
Conte used Bonucci diligently while he was manager at Juventus and gave him freedom to defend as he liked knowing very well his commitment to the back-line strong and steady was unquestionable. However, Bonucci would take a little more than just Conte being at Chelsea to lure him away from the Old Lady.
Firstly, he'll cost a fortune given his excellent form this season in both the Champions League and Serie A but more important, will look for assurances regarding some stability in Chelsea's immediate future. If he does arrive at the Bridge, Chelsea fans can wave their defensive problems goodbye.
Alternatives: Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus) and Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
