Italy coach Antonio Conte has described Italian football as a product that is going extinct.
Speaking after the 1-0 win over Albania in Genoa, the Azzurri coach didn’t hold back as questions were raised over Mario Balotelli rather than an uninspiring week for the national team.
“With all the problems we have, we still talk about Mario Balotelli? I’m trying to save a product that is going extinct, is that clear?” The ex-Juventus coach told the press.
Conte came under fire for criticising the state of Italian football during the international break, and the 45-year-old stressed his position on the topic.
“I want to be here for re-building, you can not put your heard in the sand and not see what is obvious. I say this on the back of successful results, but some people turn their noses up even when I speak of the talented youngsters.
“There is much talk of reviving Italian football, and the nothing is done- as if we are still the best in the world. It’s time for everyone to see where we stand and make it work for real.
Italy’s next match comes in March, with a qualifier away to Bulgaria and a friendly at home to England.
“If I cannot work with this group for the next four months there is a problem.
“I am here to record wins, and I have five and a draw in six games, but the effect of this gap is a big problem.”
Sampdoria striker Stefano Okaka scored the late winner for the hosts, after Conte eventually heeded calls to include the in-form 25-year-old.
“The players worked hard with me in a short space of time. Okaka is an example of a hungry player who immediately began to do the things I asked of him. He increases the competition for a starting spot.”
