Newly elected FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio has backed the decision to appoint Antonio Conte as coach of Italy.
The former Juventus coach is set to lead the Azzurri for the next two years, replacing current Galatasaray coach Cesare Prandelli who resigned after the group stage exit at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking to Radio 24, Tavecchio praised the appointment of the former Juve captain, as well as voicing his amazement at concerns over Conte’s yearly wage of €3.6 million.
“I’m amazed by the controversy regarding his wage,” he said. “They fail to understand that Conte is an investment in the Italian brand.
“Conte will spend money in Italy that comes from the United States.
“We were interested in a great coach and we signed him through convenient conditions.
“I’m very satisifed; this marks a new marketing era.”
Tavecchio then went on to rubbish claims that the newly appointed coach will be under pressure from sponsor Puma to choose particular players.
“Puma will not train the players,” he said. “We are beginning to rant, we needed a great coach and now we have him.
“There will be no pressure on him; Conte is independent and will choose who he wants to.”
