Antonio Conte said Mirko Valdifiori was the “perfect example” for Italy players trying to break in after his debut against England.

The Azzurri had opened the scoring through Graziano Pellè only to be held 1-1 in Turin by Andros Townsend.

“It’s a shame, as we had several chances against a very strong side like England. I am happy because I had the chance to see players work for 65 or 90 minutes, like Valdifiori’s debut,” Coach Conte told Rai Sport.

Antonio Conte said Mirko Valdifiori was the “perfect example” for Italy players trying to break in after his debut against England.

The Azzurri had opened the scoring through Graziano Pellè only to be held 1-1 in Turin by Andros Townsend.

“It’s a shame, as we had several chances against a very strong side like England. I am happy because I had the chance to see players work for 65 or 90 minutes, like Valdifiori’s debut,” Coach Conte told Rai Sport.

“We certainly need to work and help these lads to get more confidence on the international stage with this type of match.

“We have been working on certain concepts and principles as well as tactical systems. There were some positives, we got tired and went too deep as time went on and conceded a shot from outside the box.

“We must keep working, believe in these lads and have the patience to let them grow.”

Empoli midfielder Valdifiori made his Italy debut at the age of 28 and impressed from the start.

“Valdifiori is the perfect example. I don’t look at their curriculum; I look at who is doing well. Valdifiori deserved this call and deserves compliments for his performance, especially as it was his debut against England.

“Pellè, Eder and Franco Vazquez all did well. Everyone honoured the Azzurri jersey tonight.”

There were concerns about how Conte would be greeted at the Juventus Stadium following controversy and even some death threats from disgruntled fans of his former club, but there was nothing but applause in Turin.

“It was a very strong emotion for me being back here at the Juventus Stadium. It was already yesterday during the training session. It was a dive back into the past, something I cannot forget.”

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