Tavecchio: 'Ventura taught Conte'

FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio noted current Italy Coach Giampiero Ventura “was the teacher” for Antonio Conte.

The former Torino boss was chosen to replace Conte after Euro 2016.

“In a certain sense, Ventura was the teacher to Conte, because he was already a Coach when Conte was still playing,” Tavecchio told SportItalia.

“Conte told us that he wanted to leave the Nazionale and we had few choices in front of us. Ventura was certainly the best choice we could make for his history and the recent wonderful years at Torino. We are happy with him.”

Ventura is changing the system to 4-2-4, which Conte did use early on in his management career, for the upcoming World Cup qualifier in Liechtenstein and friendly with Germany.

With Manolo Gabbiadini injured, the Azzurri have called in Milan striker Gianluca Lapadula for the first time.

“The CT has carte blanche and we are happy that he called in Lapadula, someone who has made many sacrifices in life and deserves this moment of joy.”