Antonio Conte takes Italy training session after revealing Andrea Pirlo and Sebastian Giovinco paid the price for MLS move
- Italy players took part in training session at team's Coverciano ground
- Antonio Conte says Andrea Pirlo and Sebastian Giovinco were left out as a consequence of moving to the MLS
- Captain Gianluigi Buffon believes Azzurri 'must not give up dreaming
Italy manager Antonio Conte took a practice session at the national team's legendary Coverciano training ground as the Azzurri made preparations ahead of the European Championship.
The Chelsea manager-in-waiting watched over players including Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini and Stephan El Shaarawy after announcing his provisional 30-man squad for the tournament on Monday.
Conte has been accused of losing the public's support amid several injuries to key players including Claudio Marchisio and Marco Veratti - while notable exclusions from the squad include veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo and Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli.
Antonio Conte takes a training session at the team's legandary Coverciano ground in Florence
Chelsea manager-in-waiting Conte will leave the national team for Stamford Bridge after the tournament
Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli (left) and Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi raise a smile
Southampton striker Graziano Pelle gives a thumbs up on his way to training
The Italian manager revealed that players like Pirlo and FC Toronto's Sebastian Giovinco were not included as a consequence of moving to the MLS in the United States.
'I spoke to Andrea. I needed to hear from him and we sent people to the US. However, we've made other choices and you have to accept them and deal with the consequences. Nothing was left to chance,' Conte told the Guardian.
Pirlo's omission is understandable given that he turned 37 this week and has struggled for form during his spell with New York City FC - but Giovinco has been in sensational form for Toronto FC and was named was voted last year's player of the season.
'We evaluated [Pirlo] and Giovinco,' Conte said. 'It's normal that if you choose to go and play there then you can pay the consequences in footballing terms.
Simone Zaza is one of several forwards given the nod ahead of Liverpool's Mario Balotelli
PSG's Thiago Motta (left) and Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus arrive on the back of title winning seasons
Juventus defenders Leonardo Bonucci (left) and Giorgio Chiellini appear in high spirits during the practice
'We evaluated them technically, we didn't leave anything to chance. Anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong, we went everywhere to have clear and precise ideas. I picked the 30 who I think will give me the most guarantees.'
Balotelli's absence in favour of Graziano Pelle, Eder, Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne and Simone Zaza comes after the AC Milan forward managed only a single league goal al season.
Meanwhile, captain Buffon believes Italy must be 'modest' heading into Euro 2016 'without giving up on dreaming'.
'We start under the radar, we have important absences but we're not lacking in spirit,' Buffon told reporters.
Italy face a tough Euro 2016 group featuring Sweden, Republic of Ireland and Belgium
Conte revealed that he left out Andrea Pirlo and Sebastian Giovinco as a consequence of their move to MLS
Pirlo, who turned 37-years-old this week, has struggled to perform during his spell with New York City FC
'We have to be modest, but without giving up on dreaming and thinking we can have a good Euros. We have to become a team quickly.
'We at Juventus are coming off a winning cycle, so we can transmit some good things. Even though we're not the strongest, the important thing is not to start with a resigned spirit.
Italy face a tough group featuring Belgium, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.
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