Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 9y

Antonio Conte asks Serie A bosses to keep Italy stars fit

Italy coach Antonio Conte would like to see more done by club coaches to ensure Italian players are getting more regular game time.

The former Juventus coach met with 15 of his colleagues from Serie A clubs on Tuesday and told them he wants to see more Italian talent on the field each weekend. If they cannot oblige, he has asked them to ensure the players he can select his squads from still get a good run-out each weekend to keep them in shape.

"I pointed out to them that, out of 23, only eight to 10 of the players I pick are not playing regularly for their clubs," Conte said at a news conference. "Nobody could give me any promises, nor did I want to hear any. I just needed to meet with them and tell them that we need to strengthen the situation.

"I listened to what they had to tell me and it was a constructive meeting, at least as far as I'm concerned.

"I can relate to them because four months ago, I was sitting on their side, coaching a club, so I know what they are thinking and what was going through their minds. Those thoughts were in my mind four months ago, but we've tried to establish a very open relationship and it was important we dotted the 'I's and crossed the 'T's.

"All I'm asking is that they pay a little more attention to this, even if it means giving the players an extra training session after the games. I know this would get on the nerves of some players, but they need to show a bit more love for their national team."

Conte has also formalised a request for the next Serie A season to start and finish earlier than is currently planned, while he wants a get-together with his squad in February.

"That is indispensable," said Conte, who dismissed rumours he was considering resigning after he lost his temper following the friendly against Albania last month. "I have made an important commitment to people who were enthusiastic about hiring me and I have a duty to the Italian people.

"I am very aware of my responsibilities and so I can categorically rule out this eventuality."

Conte also rejected talk of friction with his former club Juventus, whose president, Andrea Agnelli, branded him "touchy" on Monday.

"Touchy? I'd say the president was being kind to me because I'm actually very touchy," Conte said. "There are no particular problems with Juve, it's just we've not yet managed to go to Vinovo yet as part of our visit to every club, but that doesn't mean we have problems.

"I was delighted to see the president again yesterday. We shared three extraordinary years together."

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