Conte: Italy must assess young players against Germany

Date: 28th March 2016 at 8:42pm
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Antonio Conte ItalyFacing Germany in Munich on Tuesday night represents the last chance for Antonio Conte to gauge the quality of a youthful squad ahead of Euro 2016.

Young players such as Federico Bernardeschi and Daniele Rugani are in the Azzurri squad for the trip north, with the Fiorentina winger one of many who impressed in Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Spain.

“There are young players who have no experience in our squad,” Conte told reporters, “it will be important to test them and see what kind of response we get.

“We must also get confirmation from those who played well against Spain, because the Euros squad must be named in a month and a half.

“Older players, in particular Thiago Motta, are not here for emergencies. I spoke with him and he wants to prove himself, the same for Jorginho and Bernardeschi who are learning and we must make a judgement on.”

Facing the world champions off the back of their 3-2 comeback defeat to England may generate a response from Die Mannschaft at the Allianz Arena, something Conte fears.

“The England result was not conducive for us, they will be more focussed and determined,” the former Juventus man continued. “But we prefer it that way, we chose to play big teams to test us and the young players will earn great experience.”

Finally, the Italian boss responded to the idea that Azzurri success at Euro 2016 will see him reverse his decision to leave the national side.

“My choice does not depend on our performance, positive or negative. I want to return to everyday training, and after two months of this job I will be free,” claimed Conte.

“I may regret it, but my choice is final. I will put everything in and try to ensure things get better, knowing that even Marcello Lippi was criticised and he won a World Cup.”

 

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