Conte will have to do without Pirlo against the Azeri: “He was moving strangely after a tackle, he won’t be part of the action tomorrow. It’s a real shame because he always gives his all, on and off the pitch. We’re confident that he’ll be back for the game against Norway. I'll pick the players based on the formation, I expect that my team will execute the things we tried at the training camp against an opponent who are in good form.”
As for his contract, in Conte’s opinion it’s not the right time to talk about it: “It’s not a priority,” the Italy manager went on to say, “the real priority is to qualify. The second priority will be then doing well at the European Championship. I want to thank our President and the other executives, their commendations are more than appreciated. I think that they like the passion and the commitment I put into my work. The time will come for talking about my situation.”
Gigi Buffon is also well aware of how important it is to secure qualification as soon as possible: “We have a good opportunity and we need to make sure that we leave the pitch with no regrets. It’s always good to play games like this.” The squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Daniele Padelli (Torino), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint Germain);
Defenders: Luca Antonelli (Milan), Davide Astori (Fiorentina), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), Alessandro Florenzi (Roma), Andrea Ranocchia (Inter), Davide Santon (Inter);
Midfielders: Andrea Bertolacci (Milan), Giacomo Bonaventura (Milan), Riccardo Montolivo (Milan), Marco Parolo (Lazio), Andrea Pirlo (New York City), Roberto Soriano (Sampdoria), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain);
Forwards: Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Eder (Sampdoria), Stephan El Shaarawy (Monaco), Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto), Graziano Pellé (Southampton), Fabio Quagliarella (Torino), Simone Zaza (Juventus).
 
Schedule Friday, 9th October
11:30 l.t. (08.30 CEST) – Training session (behind closed doors)
20:30 l.t. (17:30 CEST) – Training session at the Olympic Stadium in Baku (open to the press for 15 mins) – Press conference to follow (head coach and one player) Saturday, 10th October
21:00 l.t. (18:00 CEST) – Match AZERBAJIAN vs. ITALY
A press conference and transfer to Baku airport will follow
02:30 l.t. (23:30 CEST) – Charter flight from Baku to Rome Sunday, 11th October    
04:20 CEST – Arrival in Rome and transfer to Parco dei Principi Hotel
15:30 CEST – Press conference at the press room of the FIGC headquarters (players)
17:30 CEST – Training session at the Stadio Olimpico (behind closed doors) Monday, 12th October
17:15 CEST – Training session at the Stadio Olimpico (open to the press for the first 15 mins)
Press conference tofollow (head coach and one player) Tuesday, 13th October
20:45 CEST – Match ITALY vs. NORWAY
Press conference to follow   ]]>