Conte shares Italy players passion

Antonio Conte admits he shares the same passion as his Italian squad and wishes he could be on the pitch to help them out in ‘tough moments’.

The Azzurri wrapped up their preparations for Euro 2016 with a 2-0 win over Finland in Verona.

Antonio Candreva won and converted a penalty in the first half, coolly side-footing into the bottom right corner after being tripped by Perparim Hetemaj, who plays club football at the same stadium.

Candreva also set up Italy’s second goal, with a cross which substitute Daniele De Rossi headed into the bottom right corner in the 71st minute.

“I think you can see, I live the match in a very intensive way, I live the match with my players and I play with them. I’m trying to give them passion, enthusiasm, willing them on. I really would like to go onto the pitch with them to help in the tough moments of the match.

Conte hopes his players can achieve success in France based on the hard work they’ve put in the lead-up to the tournament.

“I think that my group is amazing. They are real men before players. We must continue in this way. We are serious, determined. We must keep fighting against the difficulties as we are doing. I hope we will do very well at Euro 2016. And I hope this not to get a personal achievement, but for my players. They deserve this for everything they are doing.”

The 2006 World Cup winners open their campaign in Lyon against Belgium on Monday.