Juventus: No, Milan: Yes—Antonio Conte’s (double) choice is causing a stir

Juventus makes its Europa League debut tonight against NEC Nijmegen at home at the Stadium, but Antonio Conte will not be in the stands. The former Juventus coach—who has been the subject of persistent speculation in recent days regarding a possible return to replace the embattled Luciano Spalletti—has ultimately decided to stay home, perhaps to avoid putting further pressure on a colleague and a team already struggling after their crushing defeat to Sassuolo.

Conte will most likely watch the game from the comfort of his home on TV anyway, awaiting developments regarding a future in which he could once again become the coach of the Old Lady.

This decision, however, stands in contrast to the one he made 24 hours earlier, when the former national team coach was spotted in the stands at San Siro for Milan’s first European match of the season. His presence inevitably fueled speculation about his future, especially since his name has been linked in recent weeks not only to Juventus but also to Milan.

For now, however, the coach remains an interested spectator of the goings-on at the two major Italian clubs. On one side is Milan, defeated in its European opener; on the other is Juventus, set to make its Europa League debut and needing to bounce back after its loss in Reggio Emilia.