Conte: “It will be very emotional to be back here.” Valdifiori will make his Azzurri debut

“It will be very intense” – this is how Antonio Conte figures his return to the Juventus Stadium for the England friendly tomorrow will feel. It will be the first time that he will be in Turin as Italy head coach after many triumphs achieved with the Bianconeri as a player as well as manager. “Those were fantastic years filled with great memories. I think a lot of fans will support us tomorrow; we all have the same goal,” he said.

Conte has also announced the starting XI for tomorrow’s match and there are eight changes from the team who faced Bulgaria. Mirko Valdifiori will make his Azzurri debut, while Gigi Buffon will return to goal after having fully recovered from the fever which sidelined him in Sofia. As for the defence, Ranocchia will replace Barzagli and will play alongside Chiellini and Bonucci. Darmian and Florenzi will be the wingers, while Parolo, Valdifiori and Soriano will occupy the central positions in midfield. Southampton’s Pellé and Eder will start up front, with the latter having the opportunity to start after having scored against Bulgaria on his debut.
Head coach Conte hopes that the country will unite and support the Azzurri during this transitional period in which a new generation of players is coming through. “We’re working hard to try and build a successful team. Patience is essential in helping the young players to develop. It’s unfair to dismiss them after their first appearance. I’m fortunate to have a good bunch of lads and this is very reassuring,” he commented.

Gigi Buffon echoed his manager’s words. “It’s been a difficult few days. People need to remain patient as that will not only help us, but benefit the whole of Italian football,” he remarked. Many Azzurri players will get their opportunity to prove their ability tomorrow against England. “Matches like this help the team to grow and develop and give me the chance to assess the new players included in the squad,” added Conte. He concluded by quoting Olympic 200m champion Pietro Mennea, the unforgettable sprinter who has inspired a TV show on his life and sporting achievements: “It takes a lot of hard work to make dreams come true. I heard this sentence yesterday and I absolutely agree.”