Igor Budan lists Antonio Conte as Italy’s greatest strength, as he looks ahead to the Azzurri’s Euro 2016 qualifier with Croatia on Sunday in Milan.
The Spezia sporting director says greatest respect from his compatriots has to be paid to Conte, ahead of anyone on the pitch this weekend.
“I think that Italy’s strong point at the moment is their Coach,” Budan told Calciomercato.it.
Igor Budan lists Antonio Conte as Italy’s greatest strength, as he looks ahead to the Azzurri’s Euro 2016 qualifier with Croatia on Sunday in Milan.
The Spezia sporting director says greatest respect from his compatriots has to be paid to Conte, ahead of anyone on the pitch this weekend.
“I think that Italy’s strong point at the moment is their Coach,” Budan told Calciomercato.it.
“Their squad is important but Antonio Conte is the added value. He possesses great human and tactical qualities and he always manages to steer his players on.
“Conte prepares every game in detail and he is the aspect of the game that worries me the most.”
Budan, who has toured Italy as a player, featuring in 11 different sides in the peninsula, gave his lowdown on the match.
“Two very strong teams come face to face. High quality players who play for great clubs feature in both teams so the quality is guaranteed.
“There are still many games to go and this game won’t be decisive in terms of qualifying.
“But obviously it will be important for the two teams in order to try and reach the summit in the group.
“I expect an exciting atmosphere at San Siro and it should be a fascinating game.
“Recent results say that Croatia have the upper hand, while history and tradition favour the Azzurri.
“But both national teams are in transition, trying to renew themselves, so let’s see what happens in the clash.
“Croatia’s main men have all developed in some of the strongest teams in Europe like Danijel Subasic, Dejan Lovren, Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic.
“I also know Rijeka’s striker Andrej Kramaric very well and I think that whoever will decide to punt on him, won’t commit a mistake because he is ready for the big leap.”