Italy squad for EURO 2016: Antonio Conte explains why he left out Pirlo and Giovinco
INSIGNE – He’s part of the team and he can be part of the final 23-men squad, like everyone else. Both him and Giovinco can play as wingers in a 4-3-3 system, but I can also play him as a striker. I only have a couple of doubts and very clear ideas. I still have to decide how many strikers I could bring.
MONTOLIVO AND THIAGO MOTTA – We always have to be ready. The injuries of Marchisio and Verratti have already altered some of our ideas. Now we have problems with Montolivo and Thiago Motta too, they have to be fast, we can wait for no one.
PIRLO AND GIOVINCO – I’ve talked to both of them. When one decides to go to play there [MLS] he already knows that he can pay the consequences in footballing terms. I’ve asked my staff to monitor their performances, we’ve evaluated everything. Whoever does not believe it is wrong, we are everywhere to have clear ideas. I think I’ve chosen the 30 men who give me the most guarantees.
I would have loved to bring Pavoletti, De Silvestri and Acerbi, but sometimes one has to make painful choices. We decided to play friendly games against Finland and Scotland because they are very similar to Ireland and Sweden. Lady luck is not helping us in this moment, let’s hope things will change during the tournament.
I am concentrated, not worried. A manager must always transmit confidence, not negative feelings. I want to transmit determination, ferocity and confidence. We have to travel to France with a positive mentality and attitutude. The Juventus defensive block it’s a certainty to us. I hope they can transmit their winning mentality.
Lorenzo Bettoni @lorebetto
