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Strategist spoke publicly for the first time about the possibility of winning the strongest European tournament.
During the UEFA coaches forum in Switzerland, interviewed by journalists Antonio Conte touched on various topics.
The mastermind behind the successes of Turin's Juventus shared thoughts on the UEFA Champions League, the battle for Italian gold, and the possibility of taking over the Italian national team.
When asked about his team's chances of triumphing in the strongest tournament on the Old Continent, A. Conte provided a positive response.
"I know it will be difficult, but I am optimistic," said the 44-year-old specialist. "We can't discount the experience gained last year, as we had many players who had not yet tasted the Champions League and did not know what to expect."
"After Inter's triumph in the Champions League in 2010, I said it would take some time before another Italian team wins this tournament. Now I think differently, as I see positive changes."
"We shouldn't be afraid of financial difficulties. All of this can be compensated for with organization, technique, attitude, and a desire to surprise," continued the former Juventus captain. "You have to be inventive when the winds blow in your pockets. In Italy, we excel at this."
Over the past two years, Juventus has become the strongest club on the Apennine Peninsula, expected to win their third consecutive Scudetto, but with his characteristic humility, A. Conte categorically denied such affirmations.
"As the overall level of teams rises, winning the Scudetto will be much harder, and the team that does it will deserve even more praise. At least six teams are vying for the champion's title – Juventus, Napoli, Milan, Inter, Roma, Lazio, and Fiorentina."
The strategist also faced questions about his favorite 3-5-2 playing scheme, which replaced the previously used 4-2-4 and brought success with other teams.
"My team's characteristics are best exploited by the scheme with three defenders. Many in Europe are interested in this, and here, at the forum, I received many questions on this topic," noted the Italian.
"At the forum, I had the opportunity to meet with Real's coach Carlo Ancelotti, with whom I worked at Juventus for two years. We talked about the upcoming clashes between our teams, but also reminisced about the past. I have great respect for him. I never thought we would become coaching colleagues, and that is very pleasant."
Italian newspapers raised the question of who would take Cesare Prandelli's place as the head of the Italian national team after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, with the name of Juventus' coach often mentioned among potential candidates.
"It's too early to talk about Prandelli's successor. He is a wonderful coach who has assembled a beautiful and high-quality national team and is the most suitable candidate to continue his work. Furthermore, he has not officially stated that he will leave the national team. Meanwhile, I have a contract with Juventus and I am perfectly happy in Turin," noted A. Conte.
