Italy coach Antonio Conte has said he is not too disappointed at the loss against Portugal.
The Azzurri were defeated 1-0 by the Portuguese at the Stade de Geneve in Switzerland on Tuesday night in a friendly, in which Conte made six changes from the game against Croatia, and another six substitutions during the 90 minutes against Portugal.
“These games are important, they help us to grow and understand the squad,” the 45-year-old told Rai Sport.
“We cannot look backwards or forwards, these games are used to gain experience.
“We know that we have to grow, but defeats can be healthy.”
He also commented on Italy’s descent in the World Rankings, which means that they are not seeded for the 2018 World Cup qualification process.
“I don’t know why Italy is behind other national teams,” Conte added.
“There is a generational change going on in the squad, so we have to be patient.”
The game against Portugal concluded his first year in charge of the Azzurri after replacing Cesare Prandelli after the World Cup, but Conte said he is only looking to the future.
“I have worked hard in my first year, but there is still lots left to do.”
