Friday 10 June 2016 12:33, UK
New Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has given an insight into his tactical thinking as he prepares for Italy's opening game of Euro 2016 against Belgium on Monday.
Conte, who will leave his job with the Azzurri to take charge at Stamford Bridge after the tournament in France, is set to rely on the solid foundation provided by the defence of his former club Juventus.
The 46-year-old has regularly started with the backline of the Serie A champions with Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini forming a three-man defence in front of veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
However, he has also stressed the team's focus is not just on a traditional strong Italian defence as he is keen to adopt a balanced approach.
"It's definitely an advantage to be able to rely on four players from Juventus who have played together for a long time in defence, and of course we are building something solid on this basis," Conte, whose team conceded just seven goals in 10 matches in qualifying, told UEFA's official website.
"But as I said before, I like to adopt a proactive style of play and for this, balance will be important, both in attacking and defending."
Bonucci, though, believes the Italy strikers will have a high workload as Conte asks them to be his team's first line of defence.
"What's certain is that the defensive operation includes the forwards as well. Our work is made easier by the fact our forwards, just as Conte wants, are our first defenders," Bonucci said.
"I don't think a team necessarily need to score that many goals; you only have to score one more than your opponents and concede one less. That is what really counts."
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