New Italy boss Antonio Conte hopes the players “appreciate my ugly truths rather than beautiful lies.”

The tactician makes his debut at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari tomorrow night with a friendly against Holland, but has no intention of toning down his hard-man style.

New Italy boss Antonio Conte hopes the players “appreciate my ugly truths rather than beautiful lies.”

The tactician makes his debut at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari tomorrow night with a friendly against Holland, but has no intention of toning down his hard-man style.

“Do players like me? Liking is relative. I hope the players appreciate my ugly truths rather than beautiful lies,” said Conte in his Press conference.

“The truth is what pushes me on, first of all. We’re trying to work here, not win a popularity contest. Having said that, I don’t think any of my players have ever particularly disliked me. There is great empathy.”

Gigi Buffon is one of those players who admire and praise Conte’s approach to the sport.

“I hope not to prove him wrong. Hearing the words of our captain, of an ex-teammate, of my ex-player at club level, is wonderful.

“The results of the Nazionale will depend a great deal on elements like Buffon, De Rossi, Chiellini, Barzagli and Pirlo, people who still have a lot to give and can take the younger players by the hand.”

There is also a bloc of Juventus players in the Azzurri squad who already know Conte well.

“The players are here because they deserve to be. We’ll see what the formation is tomorrow, but there’s nothing to say those who played with me before have to play now. I have talented, intelligent and hard-working players who have already shown me they’re focused.

“It’s not easy after three days of work, but I hope that tomorrow we can start to see the idea of football we want. What I’ve seen in training so far already bodes well.

“Nobody likes to lose and everyone likes to win, but it’s not easy. Winning is for special people. And we want to be special.”

Conte assured he is taking his job very seriously indeed.

“The moment I accepted this role, I knew I’d take on a huge responsibility in a time for the country that is not easy.

“The players and I have a great responsibility towards the fans, towards this country. This is because we want Italy to come back to a high level.

“When we step on to the field, we must realise that there is an entire country resting on our shoulders. This is why we must give 110 per cent every time. Knowing me and knowing the players, that is what will happen.”

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