Andrea Pirlo is standing right behind Antonio Conte in his bid to win Euro 2016 even though the next Chelsea manager controversially left him behind.
The former Italy midfielder had desperately wanted to play one more major tournament, having already won 116 caps.
But ruthless Conte left him out — and so the Azzurri go into their Group E opener against Belgium on Monday missing a player, who has been their talisman for 14 years.
“I wasn’t happy to be left out but I have to accept the choice of the coach,” said Pirlo, who helped his nation win the World Cup in 2006 and reach the final of Euro 2012.
“People expected me to quit after the World Cup in Brazil but I decided to try to continue to play in France. In the end, it was not possible and that’s very painful for me because now I think my future with the national team will be very difficult. But I won’t criticise. I have always been very respectful of the coaches and I will remain the same.”
The decision to leave out the former AC Milan and Juventus star shows Conte’s tough side — a potentially ominous sign for players such as John Terry at Stamford Bridge.
But Pirlo, 37, is sure the Italy boss will not be thinking about west London while he is in France.
The New York City midfielder said: “Conte is a coach with a lot of experience and I don’t believe his move to Chelsea will have any effect on Italy during the Euros. He is too professional for that.
“Even though I am not there I hope and believe Italy can do well. We had a good qualification campaign and we have a big desire to achieve something on the big stage.”
Italy are in transition but Pirlo says there is promise in the squad, who will also face the Republic of Ireland and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Sweden.
“It’s a tough group and very complicated,” said Pirlo. “Belgium are possibly the team who have made the most progress in the last year. If they continue the quality they showed in qualifying then they will be candidates for the title.
“Ireland are dangerous, too, and I know how good Robbie Keane can be. The atmosphere at their games will be terrific, so it will not be easy.
“Then there is Sweden and Zlatan. But you have to remember Italy have good players, too. Our defensive line is very strong and we have an attack that can score against anyone.”
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