Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero has given his blessing for manager Vincenzo Montella to take the Italian national team role if the position was offered to the former Azzurri striker.

Montella has been touted as one of the favourites to succeed Antonio Conte, who is joining English Premier League team Chelsea after the European Championship in the summer.

Ferrero said: “Could Montella leave for the national team? Yes, it would be a gift, and an important continuation of the work done by a great coach like Conte.

“For me he’ll be coach of Sampdoria next year, because he has a contract.

“Then when the national team or Manchester United come calling, I love him and he can go wherever he wants.”

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