Antonio Conte believes his title win with Inter is the most significant achievement in his career but is disappointed that the Nerazzurri suddenly changed their programs over the summer.
The Italian tactician discussed his first few months in charge of Tottenham in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
However, he also opened up about his time at Inter and the reason why he left the Nerazzurri after his second year in charge at the club.
“With time, people will understand the importance of the title I won at Inter after two years of extraordinary work,” he said.
“We broke down the hegemony of Juve, it was a tough job that ended with the joy for the title, but also the disappointment for the change of programs and expectations that led to the breakup.”
Conte admits he didn’t expect to reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku only a few months after the end of his spell in Milan.
“Absolutely not, I didn’t think my time at Inter could finish. Ronaldo and Lukaku’s transfers were different but when you have the opportunity to return to the Premier League as a protagonist, it’s difficult to say no.
“Surely, their exit has made Italian football poorer. They are two stars.”
So, who is the favourite to win the Serie A title now?
“I am busy looking at the title race here in England, but right now, I think Serie A is a three-horse race, with Inter still involved,” said Conte.
Italy have failed to win their World Cup qualification group and will be forced to go through the play-offs to get a spot at Qatar 2022. What does Conte make of Italy’s struggles?
Conte reveals the first three things he must do to win at Tottenham and hints at Kane stay
“We surprise everybody by winning the Euros, including ourselves,” said Conte.
“Everything must work perfectly when you achieve these results. Some episodes were in our favour and when you become champion, you have to deal with a bigger pressure.
“There are more expectations and sometimes it happens that the ball hits the post and you don’t score. Or you miss two penalties with somebody like Jorginho, who usually never makes any mistake. Italy must rediscover the right alchemy, the rage, and hope stars will align again.
“Italy don’t have a top player like Lukaku or Kane in attack, but don’t criticise Immobile too much. To me, he is still crucial. The work he does for the team is often underestimated. He runs more than anyone else, he fights and runs into open spaces.”
Will Italy qualify for the World Cup?
“I hope so,” said Conte. “There is only one opponent to fear and that’s Portugal. They have plenty of quality players, not just Ronaldo. I am not too worried about the others, but with Portugal, it would be an even game.”