Conte's Italy, first act. The new blue course begins tonight and it doesn't matter that the one with Holland is just a friendly. Enthusiasm is in fact skyrocketing as demonstrated by the city of Bari, ready to fill San Nicola even if it were an official match. “I hope to sleep a few more hours than I usually do, even if sleep often brings me good ideas – joked Antonio Conte at the press conference. – It doesn't matter if it's just a friendly match, nobody likes to lose. And Holland is a strong team, with consolidated values. We want to show that we want to do things right".
Needless to deny it, everyone's eyes, in the stadium and on television, will be focused on the new coach, capable of reawakening general interest in an Italy that came out destroyed by the Brazilian World Cup. But now the hardest part begins, that of keeping the fire of passion burning through the game and the results. “We need to create the right mix between veterans and promising youngsters, who have everything to become great players – the coach thought. – The fact remains that the success of the project will depend above all on Buffon, De Rossi, Chiellini, Barzagli, Pirlo… these people must give us a hand in football but also help young people in their growth”.
Conte's real challenge, however, lies entirely in the character aspect: will he be able to transfer the competitive fury already seen in black and white to the blue? Impossible to say for sure but the chances of this happening are quite high. The coach wants a humble team dedicated to work and commitment, with respect for the rules as an absolute prerogative. Just look at the squad list to realize that the air, in the blue shirt, is quite different compared to a few months ago: outside Balotelli and Cassano, inside Blazers. “What I want to say is having seen a positive and proactive attitude on the part of everyone – Conte cut short. – There is a sense of responsibility, we know it is a difficult moment for the country and we, with the national team, would like to set an example”.
They will already try tonight in a stadium which, as previously mentioned, will be full of people and enthusiasm. There couldn't have been a better place for the coach's debut given that, in those parts, he has trained and also with excellent results. “Coming back here has a wonderful effect on me – admitted Conte. – In this place I collected my first victory as a coach (promotion to Serie A in the 2008/09 season, ed) and I keep it jealously. And then I'm proud to be the first southern coach". For a "first" of this kind, a respectable formation will be lined up, even if it is a friendly match and the away match in Norway (Tuesday, debut in the Euro 2016 qualifying round) is upon us. Sirigu will be in goal (Buffon will return to the field in Oslo), in defense 3-man line with Bonucci, Ranocchia and one between Astori and Ogbonna.
In midfield, two wingers of flair and leg like Candreva and De Sciglio, in the middle De Rossi (favorite over Verratti), Parolo and Marchisio (suspended for Norway). Doubts also in attack with only Immobile certain of a shirt: one of Giovinco (favourite) and Zaza will play alongside him while El Shaarawy, suffering from an ankle, will start from the bench. No national team for Osvaldo but it's not a disciplinary choice: the attacker hasn't recovered from his adductor problem and has returned to Appiano for treatment.
