Italy coach Antonio Conte, who is due to take over as Chelsea manager when he finishes his duties at the European Championship, is pondering a move for Lazio's Antonio Candreva, according to Sky Italia.

Conte is focusing on his job as Italy boss at present, but is starting to give some thought to where he needs to strengthen the Chelsea squad, with midfield a key area the Italian has identified.




Candreva has been linked with Inter of late, but now Chelsea can be added to the mix as Conte is considering the 29-year-old as a potential signing.

Conte regularly has the chance to see Candreva at close quarters, having included him in Italy's Euro 2016 squad, and the Lazio man started in Friday's group stage win over Sweden.
 


He played the full 90 minutes for the Azzurri against the Swedes, as Conte's side booked a spot in the last 16 round with a game to spare.

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Candreva joined Lazio in 2012 and wasted little time in establishing himself as a key man in the Italian capital.

The 29-year-old made a total of 44 appearances in all competitions for Lazio in the recently concluded season, scoring 12 goals and providing his team-mates with five assists.

Candreva's contract with Lazio runs until 2019.