Chelsea FC Manager Antonio Conte ended his Italy career on an epic note. Unfortunately, it was not a winning note, but the match was beyond a shadow of a doubt a true instant classic. Conte’s Azzurri were eliminated from Euro 2016 after losing 6-5 on penalties to Germany in their quarterfinal yesterday, in a game which ended in a 1-1 draw following extra time.
The Germany-Italy match felt like the “real” Euro title game, although Germany vs France, a battle of the two pre-tournament co-favorites, might end up being even more classic that Germany vs Italy.
Conte gave a very emotional farewell in the post match press conference as he said:
“Today feels much harder than yesterday. Now that it is over.”
“I still feel emotionally attached — it was a great honour for me to coach these lads. It is a shame for them to go out because they gave everything they had.”
“I wish all the best to (incoming manager Giampiero) Ventura and I hope I have left a good outline for him to continue.”
“I wish the national team and Ventura well. I feel we have left a strong path that can take our colors higher and higher.”
“The most important thing from these Euros was ensuring Italy were respected by everyone, including the European [Spain] and world [Germany] champions.
Conte also thanked Italian Football Federation President Carlo Tavecchio “for allowing me this extraordinary experience that will stay with me forever.”
Conte has now ended his two year tenure as Italian National Team Manager and immediately takes over at Stamford Bridge. Antonio Conte won three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus before he took the Italy job.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication.
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