Conte not stepping down from Italy post

Italy coach Antonio Conte has asserted that he will never quit as national team boss and that he considers coaching his country a privilege.

Rumours had speculated the former Juventus coach was ready to resign after being upset by having to cancel an Azzurri training camp because of the refusal of some Serie A clubs to release their players.

“I am not leaving the Nazionale,” the 45-year-old tactician replied at Sanremo Music Festival.

“It is a great honour to be at the Nazionale, just as it was a childhood dream to play for Italy and I achieved it.

“And now I’m coaching the national team. I’m proud of that.

“When I became a coach, the dream was to lead Italy. Now the dream is to win.”

Conte replaced Cesare Prandelli as coach of the Italian national team after signing a two-year contract in August 2014.