Conte demands to be allowed to work in peace after Italy criticism

Date: 30th March 2015 at 12:05pm
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Antonio Conte ItalyItaly coach Antonio Conte has called for independence as the press criticised parts of his management after the 2-2 draw with Bulgaria.

The hosts struck two counter-attack goals to come from behind before Brazilian-born striker Eder netted on his national team debut to keep Conte’s side unbeaten in Group H of their Euro 2016 qualifiers – but still two points behind Croatia.

“It is a major challenge to see if the called-up players are right for this squad, and some decisions are not taken peacefully and that hurts us – I ask only to work and be left alone,” the ex-Juventus coach told his post-match press conference in reference to the controversy surrounding Sampdoria’s Eder.

“I was encouraged by our performance; we had intensity, possession and chances. But after conceding two on the counter I do not like the result.”

The Azzurri face a crunch match in Zagreb against the group leaders in June, but first they take on Roy Hodgson’s rejuvenated England in a friendly at Juventus Stadium on Tuesday night.

“The England game is high-profile, I have players that I need to evaluate in an important match.

“Croatia are proving stronger than Italy at the moment, we’ll compete for qualification with Norway and work to close the gap above us.”

 

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