COMMENT: Italy’s poor form ahead of Euro 2016 cannot be blamed on Antonio Conte’s decision to quit

As the countdown to France begins in earnest, SportsJOE is proud to launch its Euro 2016 Blog Network, which will feature expert writers from the three countries in the Republic of Ireland's Group E. In his first post, David Schiavone of Forza Italian Football investigates the effect Antonio Conte's decision to leave after the tournament has had on Italy.

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Although it was just a friendly, and at a time when players are arguably focusing on the ‘business end’ of club campaigns, several have questioned whether Italy’s 4-1 capitulation to Germany is a sign that the influence of Antonio Conte has been undermined.

It was only recently that the 46-year-old decided that he would be stepping down as Azzurri coach after Euro 2016, and the winless displays against Spain and Die Mannschaft were the first matches played since this premature declaration. Therefore, while Italian fans previously expected the ex-Juventus boss to recover some respect in France after the 2014 World Cup debacle, some are now considering if their chances this summer now lie in tatters. However, considering that about two-thirds of coaches usually leave post-tournament - either through force, resignations or the expiration of contracts - the theory that the players have ‘downed tools’ in the wake of the news is surprising. If anything, those that have been favoured by the coach but not loved by supporters, will be working harder to ensure that their own international futures do not end with Conte’s exit. Such a boost to motivation among the less fashionable players may improve chances of success. Unfortunately, the admission that there is quite a quality divide between them and the current world champions is a more likely reason for current struggles. “We faced the best team in the world,” Conte told the press after the game. “It was an important in terms of evaluating our team, and there is a gap we need to close.” Three successive Serie A titles meant that fans would always expect that success to be replicated on the international stage, given that the core of his Bianconeri teams make up the national side. However, despite going unbeaten as they topped a relatively easy qualifying group, the Azzurri were hardly disposing of opponents at will - failing to register more than two goals in any game, they haven’t won a friendly since November 2014. Rather than Conte’s managerial prowess, the often mediocre - yet triumphant - performances during his tenure are the result of a distinct lack of game changing, entertaining players within the squad. The 20-time capped midfielder’s former Juventus charges provide an excellent base - Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini were missing in Germany - from which to build, but his club successes arguably were sealed by the performances of non-Italian colleagues. So often it was Paul Pogba, Carlos Tevez or Arturo Vidal who proved the difference between success and failure, and even now, under Massimiliano Allegri, Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala star - a Spaniard and Argentinean. With the greatest respect to Eder, Graziano Pelle and Stefano Okaka, they are nowhere near the standard of those available to Conte at club level previously. Admittedly, some questionable formations and substitutions point toward a lack of experience, after all he is still a relatively young coach, but suggesting his thoughts are already floating towards Chelsea seem as far fetched as his players being disinterested. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/703836539894132736 The way in which he drove the Bianconeri to the Scudetto after his arrival in 2011 was very much a labour of love, and a desire to take the Azzurri back to the pinnacle of European football will burn equally as deep. Conspiracy theories that Conte’s impending departure have harmed the side’s chances or quelled the tactician’s desire are simply easy excuses for those unwilling to accept the current inadequacies of the national side. However, despite those failings and a tough group, Italy have every chance of a solid, if not spectacular, campaign at Euro 2016, but be warned Italian fans, it won’t be pretty.