Antonio Conte insisted Italy’s 1-1 friendly draw with England was part of a ‘growth process’ that requires patience.
The Coach was asked whether this showing was an improvement on last week’s 2-2 European qualifier in Bulgaria.
“I didn’t dislike Italy’s performance in Bulgaria either, but we conceded two goals due to two distractions. We had the chances to win in a historically difficult venue,” he said at a Press conference.
Antonio Conte insisted Italy’s 1-1 friendly draw with England was part of a ‘growth process’ that requires patience.
The Coach was asked whether this showing was an improvement on last week’s 2-2 European qualifier in Bulgaria.
“I didn’t dislike Italy’s performance in Bulgaria either, but we conceded two goals due to two distractions. We had the chances to win in a historically difficult venue,” he said at a Press conference.
“Sofia was an important result for qualification, as Bulgaria and Norway are the sides who can trouble us and Croatia.
“The fact we emerged unbeaten in Bulgaria was positive, though considering the performance I felt we should’ve won.
“Tonight was a prestigious friendly against a strong side with experienced players, but Italy played on level terms and the two teams tried to overcome each other.
“Obviously fatigue set in after a while and we went too deep, even though we still had chances to score more goals. I think the draw was the right result.”
This was an experimental side with Mirko Valdifiori of Empoli and Palermo’s Franco Vazquez getting their debuts, while Roberto Soriano and Eder of Sampdoria started.
“I will say we’re trying to extend the squad to see what the League offers. I think Valdifiori and Soriano were important additions, along with Eder.
“We have many lads who need to go through this process to mature, so that means playing and even getting some knocks on the nose.
“I have faith in the spirit of these lads, who show how much they care about this jersey and their pride in representing the country.
“Nobody can doubt that. They might not like our performances all the time, but nobody can doubt our commitment.
“We knew these games would have little friendly about them. Let’s not forget England were coming off seven consecutive victories, so they’ve found self-confidence and belief in their abilities.
“We wanted to remain unbeaten too and achieved that against a strong opponent like England. I had hoped to win, but I think at the end of the day the draw is the right result.
“We have to keep our feet on the ground and work hard, but this opportunity allowed me to widen the football horizons of the squad.
“We will only earn a relaxed state of mind via hard work and international experience. In that sense, these friendlies are very useful for certain players.
“We must all try to help each other during this growth process. It requires patience and love towards these players.”
Conte also mentioned his request for a team get-together in February, which was abandoned when Juventus and Roma refused to release their players.
“We must continue improving and inevitably it was tough to get the moves spontaneous when I hadn’t seen the players for four months.
“With these moves you need to practice them over and over until they come naturally.
“I am trying to give an identity to this side. I feel it’s important that we are a team and not just a selection.”
This felt like a jab at Juventus patron John Elkann, who said last week that Conte is now a cherry-picker more than a Coach.