New Italy Coach Antonio Conte has spoken of the need for a change in Italian football ahead of his debut match against the Netherlands.
Thursday evening in Bari will see the 45-year-old begin his reign as Azzurri boss and, ahead of that, he has considered once more the state of the Italian game.
“We have been static for too long, with too many words and little action,” Conte has said in a pre-match interview with RaiSport.
New Italy Coach Antonio Conte has spoken of the need for a change in Italian football ahead of his debut match against the Netherlands.
Thursday evening in Bari will see the 45-year-old begin his reign as Azzurri boss and, ahead of that, he has considered once more the state of the Italian game.
“We have been static for too long, with too many words and little action,” Conte has said in a pre-match interview with RaiSport.
“It’s time for a change. I read that in 2013 our championship had one of the highest average ages in Europe, almost 28.
“It’s true that our country isn’t good for young people and not just in football.”
The bullish Coach also suggested he will be making some changes in match preparation for the players.
“When we are in a training camp it won’t be open to the players’ families.
“If needed, we will have one hotel for the players and a separate one for the families.
“Concentration whilst training is vital. I want everything to be in place – after all, a match is only an hour-and-a-half long.”
The former midfielder expressed pride in being appointed this summer to the national team.
“Every so often I think about it and tell myself that it’s like a film, I would never have imagined it – I hope that it also ends beautifully.”