Euro 2016: Antonio Conte’s Jekyll and Hyde performances as Germany KO Azzurri give amazing insight into Chelsea’s new manager
Outgoing Italy chief transforms from tearful tantrum to a fond and thoughtful farewell after shoot out exit against Germany
ANTONIO CONTE’S Jekyll and Hyde performances this weekend have given a startling insight into Chelsea’s new boss.
Just hours after his rant at the Italian Football Federation and the country’s press, he fought back tears yesterday as he said an emotional final farewell from the Azzurri hotseat.
Conte takes charge at Stamford Bridge next week, with many predicting the fiery Italian will be involved in some explosive touchline encounters.
But he showed his soft side following Italy’s heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Germany on Saturday — and was clearly gutted he could not lead them into the final week of the tournament.
Conte said: “In a few days’ time, the new season will begin and, to be honest, I wouldn’t like to have had a single day’s holiday as that would have meant going forward in the European Championship.
“Now I’ll take seven days off, when I will try to shift some of this disappointment for going out of the competition, before then taking the reins at Chelsea.
“I know it will be a difficult challenge but that's what I relish.”
It is Conte’s nature to always look to antagonise everyone around him and create tension. His supporters will call it ‘creative’ tension. Critics could easily dub it ‘toxic’.
He is in a constant need to have a go at someone. Remind you of anyone?
His controversial final hours in charge of Italy bear all the hallmarks of Jose Mourinho’s stints at Stamford Bridge.
First came the Azzurri’s crushing loss to Germany.
Even though his men had given everything in a titanic battle against the world champions, Conte chose to rail against all and sundry instead of just lavishing praise on Italy’s heroes.
This is what Conte said post-match: “I didn’t see anyone alongside me — the media or anyone. It was always Conte against everyone.
"I’ve always fought for the interests of the national team, not for myself. If I’m honest, I’ve never felt supported by anyone.”
Conte’s main complaint? That Juventus and AC Milan played the Coppa Italia final on May 21 against his wishes, leaving him without seven players for a week.
He added: “I fought in vain to move the Coppa Italia final as I wanted to work with the players, because our only chance of achieving something great, our only hope, was to work as a small war machine.
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“We have proved that throughout the Euro. I hope that we can really leave a lasting mark in terms of love for the national team and for the shirt. I hope it’s been conveyed despite our elimination.” Fast forward to yesterday morning in a packed press conference and Italian journalists burst out into prolonged applause as Conte fought back tears.
Then he said: “Sorry, but today is worse than yesterday. I am emotionally much more moved as I realise it’s all over.
“I want to thank you journalists. I am not a simple person, I am difficult. I owe you a huge thank you.”
It was his way of saying sorry for the previous night.
Then, hinting at a possible return to coach Italy, he added: “I hope this is an arrivederci (see you again) not a goodbye.”