Italy coach Antonio Conte has admitted that he needs time to improve the national team.

The former Juventus manager took charge of the Azzurri in the summer following their disastrous World Cup campaign.

Conte has made sure that Italy have enjoyed a strong start to Euro 2016 qualification, but the 45-year-old believes that patience is needed before they assert themselves properly on the world stage.

"I am asked to do great work and transform the Italy team, so give me the chance," he is quoted as saying by Goal.com. "Put me in the conditions to achieve that.

"I am not angry with anyone in particular. I just feel after three months in the job, our third get-together, I am starting to get a clear idea of the situation."

Italy continue their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign in March 2015 when they travel to Bulgaria.

Written by
Jack Prescott