Antonio Conte was “sad” to cut the Italy squad down to 23 and called Belgium “one of the favourites for Euro 2016.”
The Coach spoke on a RAI TV special as the final team prepares for the tournament in France.
“We cut down the squad twice, as we had a training camp two weeks ago, then another before the game with Scotland.
“Inevitably on a human level it is very disappointing, as they proved themselves to be great men as well as great players.
Antonio Conte was “sad” to cut the Italy squad down to 23 and called Belgium “one of the favourites for Euro 2016.”
The Coach spoke on a RAI TV special as the final team prepares for the tournament in France.
“We cut down the squad twice, as we had a training camp two weeks ago, then another before the game with Scotland.
“Inevitably on a human level it is very disappointing, as they proved themselves to be great men as well as great players.
“It is sad to leave behind players who have given you so much over the last two years, but choices have to be made.”
Italy are in the same group as Belgium, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland, with the opening game against the Red Devils.
“We are facing one of the favourites for the victory in Euro 2016. They have a lot of talent and many young players.
“I generally believe being the favourite on paper is one thing, but you have to play the game on the turf and we have to prove we are not inferior to anyone.
“We’ll see an Italy that will try to play to its strengths, without regrets.
“We must be aware of our strengths and weaknesses, as that is the way to become solid.
“I chose the players who gave me the most guarantees in many aspects. I thank those lads who are not with us, as it was a sad moment, but I had to make choices.
“I think the 10 is right for what Thiago Motta has done in the past and we hope will do in the present.”
Goalkeepers: 1 Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), 13 Federico Marchetti (Lazio), 12 Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint Germain)
Defenders: 15 Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), 19 Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), 3 Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), 5 Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (West Ham)
Wide men: 21 Federico Bernardeschi (Fiorentina), 6 Antonio Candreva (Lazio), 4 Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), 2 Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), 22 Stephan El Shaarawy (Roma)
Midfielders: 16 Daniele De Rossi (Roma), 8 Alessandro Florenzi (Roma), 23 Emanuele Giaccherini (Bologna),10 Thiago Motta (Paris Saint Germain), 18 Marco Parolo (Lazio), 14 Stefano Sturaro (Juventus)
Forwards: 17 Citadin Martins Eder (Inter), 11 Ciro Immobile (Torino), 20 Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), 9 Graziano Pellè (Southampton), 7 Simone Zaza (Juventus)
Reserves: Marco Benassi (Torino), Alex Meret (Udinese), Daniele Rugani (Juventus), Davide Zappacosta (Torino)