Antonio Conte has hit out at the Italian football association framework and media over a perceived lack of support shown to him and the national team as the coach’s tenure with Italy ended on Saturday.
Italy were defeated on penalties by Germany in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, leading to the end of Conte’s two years in charge of the side. The manager is set to begin work with Chelsea from next week.
The 46-year-old used his final press-conference as Italy manager to take a few shots about his treatment while in charge of the international side and believes more could have been achieved if the side were given more support.
According to Goal, Conte said: “I didn’t see anyone alongside me, the media, or anyone, it was always Conte against everyone. I’ve always fought for the interests of the national team, not for myself.
“If I’m honest I’ve never felt supported by anyone. The president of the Italian federation has always been alongside me but he can only do so much. My decision has been taken, it’s a shame as we have created a family and I hope what we leave can bear fruit.
“I hope in the future we can give more time for the national side. I fought in vain to move the Coppa Italia final as I wanted to work with the players because our only chance of achieving something great, our only hope, was to work as a small war machine.
“I think we have proved that today, and throughout the European Championship.
“I hope that we can really leave a lasting mark in terms of love for the national team and for the shirt. We have tried to put this message across and I hope it’s been conveyed despite our elimination.”
Conte is now preparing to return to club management and will take charge of Premier League side Chelsea, who finished tenth in the top flight last season.
The Italian coach last managed Juventus at club level and he guided the Old Lady to Serie A titles in all three of his seasons in charge in Turin.
Chelsea promises to be a much tougher and more difficult test, though with the side in need of rejuvenation after their problems, and brief battle against relegation, last season in the English top division.
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