Antonio Conte had a fiery Press conference after Italy’s 1-0 win over Albania, slamming clubs and media obsession with Mario Balotelli.

“You know full well that I don’t hold back when I have something to say. After six games in which we won five and drew one, some people bury their heads in the sand and don’t want to see what is obvious.

Antonio Conte had a fiery Press conference after Italy’s 1-0 win over Albania, slamming clubs and media obsession with Mario Balotelli.

“You know full well that I don’t hold back when I have something to say. After six games in which we won five and drew one, some people bury their heads in the sand and don’t want to see what is obvious.

“There is work to be done in a very, very difficult moment for Italian football – more difficult than I expected, as I honestly thought there would be more participation from everyone.”

Conte complained that he wanted another get-together before the next games in February and March, but clubs could not find the room in the calendar.

“I saw little desire to collaborate with the Nazionale. I always experienced this as a club Coach and admittedly there you think about your club and little else. Now I am on the other side, forced to have these lads for at most eight or nine days a month. Now I’d have the chance to see them again in four months.

“I am asked to do great work and transform the Italy team. So give me the chance. Put me in the conditions to achieve that.

“We have to work to qualify for the Euros and then in that month create a solid side. In a day and a half we prepared against a fine Albania team that had beaten Portugal and drawn with France.
“I am not angry with anyone in particular. I just feel after three months in the job, our third Nazionale get-together, I am starting to get a clear idea of the situation.

“Everyone says we need to do this, that and the other for Italian football, then I turn round and I am alone!

“When are we going to show some love for the Nazionale? Instead everyone goes ‘oh he can’t play, he has to do this, he has to do that.’

“People ask the players to create a team with determination, organisation, unity, etc all in eight or nine days. And people actually sneer at those eight or nine days.”

Conte was asked about Balotelli and lost his temper with the reporters in the press room.

“We are still talking about Balotelli. With all the problems we have in Italian football, we are still talking about whether Balotelli goes to a disco or not. I find it ridiculous and absurd.

“And with all of this, the team has five wins and a draw. Beat us, let’s see you beat us.”

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