Antonio Conte to Chelsea Gathers Steam with Fresh Italian Support

Antonio Conte may very well become the next Chelsea manager if rumours are to be believed. The national team boss of Italy has announced that he will step down from his role after the Euro 2016. This frees him up for a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea need little introduction to an Italian manager. Gianluca Vialli, Claudio Ranieri, Carlo Ancelotti, and Roberto di Matteo can all be classified as a success in different ways. Yet, it seems that a manager seeks a lot of reassurances before entering Chelsea’s revolving door. Conte has received the public backing of several Italians even before the start of Euro 2016. Paolo Di Canio is the latest to offer his backing of Conte at Chelsea.

The former Sunderland and Swindon Town manager says that Conte has all the necessary qualities to be a success at Stamford Bridge. However, he should first develop excellent English skills not just to communicate with the players but with the media too. Di Canio said:

“I have spoken to him, not about Chelsea, but about English football. We had a chat about it, but not about Chelsea – two months ago.

“He is a good guy and a good coach. He is a manager with the right mentality and work ethic and can help Chelsea change their direction.

“Sometimes you can have the stamp of the donkey because you say something you didn’t intend. So try to learn (the language) and put next to you a good guy, an English guy, with good experience that can help you.”

A look at his tactical masterclass:

The British media have a habit of celebrating over the top during the honeymoon period and trying to bring a quick divorce a few months later. Several Chelsea managers have experienced this phenomenon in the past and it is refreshing to see Di Canio warn of the same.

Southampton and Italy forward Graziano Pelle also believes that Conte has the attributes to succeed at Chelsea, but reminded that it was a must that he learns English.

Conte is best known for reviving Juventus from the second division of Italian football and making them into champions of the Italian Serie A inside two years. In aspects like tactical obsession, winning mentality, and creating a team spirit in the squad, Conte is similar to Mourinho. Let us hope that the Italian will get us back to the top.