Turin return evoked 'strong emotions' for Conte

antonioconte -CROPPED

Italy coach Antonio Conte says his return to Turin prompted "very strong emotions", despite a week of strained relations with former club Juventus.

Conte has been subjected to death threats for the alleged role played by his training methods in a knee injury suffered by Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio.

Marchisio's injury was subsequently found to be not as serious as first thought, but the incident represented a dark episode in Conte's relationship with the club with whom he won silverware as both a player and a manager.

However, following Italy's 1-1 draw with England at Juventus Stadium, Conte was in a positive mood.

"For me the return to Turin brought up very strong emotions," he told Sky Sport Italia. "It was a dip into a beautiful and important past. I cannot forget."

Graziano Pelle headed Italy in front before Andros Townsend rescued the draw with a superb 79th-minute strike.

"We had chances against a strong team but I am happy because I had the chance to see some good work from my players," he added. 

"[Debutant Mirko] Valdifiori was a prime example of the commitment and determination of a young man.

"In the second half, tiredness took over and this made concede, rather than score ourselves."

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