Antonio Conte downplays Claudio Lotito’s presence with Italy, and confirms Andrea Pirlo and Marco Verratti will likely compete for one place.
The Coach is counting down to his competitive debut on the Azzurri bench tonight against Norway in Oslo, when Euro 2016 qualifying begins.
Antonio Conte downplays Claudio Lotito’s presence with Italy, and confirms Andrea Pirlo and Marco Verratti will likely compete for one place.
The Coach is counting down to his competitive debut on the Azzurri bench tonight against Norway in Oslo, when Euro 2016 qualifying begins.
For the 45-year-old, the presence of Lazio President and FIGC director Lotito with the team should not warrant such attention as it has.
“I will stick with what I previously said [at yesterday evening’s conference],” Conte has considered in his usual pre-game chat to Rai Sport.
“Namely, that Lotito is a Federal director and therefore has the right to be with us.
“I am not looking beyond issues in the field, whilst it is clear that, in this regard, I am in charge here.”
On the continued topic of re-organising Italian football, Conte was also blunt.
“Let’s be clear, I am not a miracle worker. If this is the situation then it is not possible to perform miracles. We must begin rowing in the same direction.”
Andrea Pirlo has confirmed he will delay his international retirement and now his CT has confirmed how it will prompt a decision regarding Daniele De Rossi and Marco Verratti.
“Yes it is true, a midfield of De Rossi, Pirlo and Verratti is too much. I see De Rossi as in the team because he has the ability to also play as a central defender.
“So when Pirlo returns, one between him and Verratti will come out as a central midfielder.”
On tonight’s proposed starting XI, the former Juventus boss was elusive.
“I can say that Buffon will return, whilst for the rest you already know…”